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UPDATE: I-70 through Glenwood Canyon likely to be closed over the weekend following ‘multiple large mudslides’

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Staff reports

Motorists should use northern detour

Damage can be seen to the westbound deck of Interstate 70 through Glenwood Canyon. I-70 remains closed in both directions Friday morning. Courtesy Colorado Department of Transportation

1:50 p.m. Friday update: Interstate 70 will likely stay closed through the weekend in Glenwood Canyon following multiple mudslides Thursday night, a release from the Colorado Department of Transportation states.

“With significant additional rain forecasted for the area and the possibility of additional debris flows, I-70 will remain closed between Exits 87 (West Rifle) and 133 (Dotsero). This closure will last at least through this weekend,” CDOT said in a Friday afternoon update.

Earlier in the day, CDOT said crews were responding to multiple large mudslides on I-70, caused by heavy rain on the Grizzly Creek burn area.

“Our focus is on life safety, and the debris flows will be evaluated more extensively in the morning,” according to an update early Friday morning. “Crews will continue to monitor the canyon and weather overnight. This will be an EXTENDED CLOSURE and motorists should use the recommended alternate route.

“Please do not use navigation apps to choose an alternate route, because those routes are often unpaved, rough roads without services and which can be unsafe to drive.”

Cottonwood Pass between Garfield and Eagle counties was also closed Thursday night be reopened about 1:15 a.m. Friday, according to a separate Eagle County emergency alert.

Motorists should use the northern detour route until Interstate 70 through Glenwood Canyon reopens.

Glenwood Canyon closed Thursday afternoon but reopened at 6 p.m. However, a second storm went over the burn scar area later Thursday evening and CDOT closed the interstate again about 9 p.m.

A Colorado Department of Transportation employee and Pitkin County Sheriff's deputy talk with truck drivers on Friday morning at the Independence Pass gate east of Aspen. Semitrucks and vehicles longer than 35 feet are not allowed on Highway 82 over the Pass. These three truckers had to turn around and were not fined. (David Krause / The Aspen Times)

This is a developing story that will be updated.

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