I-70 reopens in Glenwood Canyon after truck crash forces long closure

A truck crash closed westbound I-70 in Glenwood Canyon for almost 12 hours. Photo: CDOT, Aug. 10, 2012

EAGLE COUNTY, Colo. — All lanes of traffic on westbound I-70 have been reopened after a truck crash that took place at 2 a.m. Friday morning forced a closure that lasted about 11 hours, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.

The closure, which took place between Eagle and Glenwood Springs, caused significant backups, CDOT said.

Motorists were being rerouted to Highway 131 toward Steamboat Springs, then to U.S. 40 to Craig, then south via Highway 13 to Rifle. It’s approximately a 3.5 hour detour.

About 60 gallons of diesel fuel spilled out of a fuel tank belonging to a semi carrying 42,000 pounds of scrap aluminum during the accident. Hazmat crews cleaned the diesel while maintenance crews working to untangled the aluminum from the truck to get it removed from the highway

Motorists can also expect significant delays on I-70 eastbound this weekend due to construction. CDOT is expecting at least a two-hour commute from Silverthorne to Denver and recommending all motorists travel before 1 p.m. or after 6 p.m.