EB I-70 closed in Glenwood Canyon after semi crash

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. — Eastbound Interstate 70 is fully closed Tuesday through a portion of Glenwood Canyon following a crash.

A semi-truck traveling in the westbound lanes rolled over and landed in the eastbound lanes of the highway, according to the Colorado State Patrol.

The interstate was closed in both directions between the Grizzly Creek and Hanging Lake exits, but around 1:30 p.m. CDOT said westbound traffic was being allowed through the crash area.

An extended closure is expected for the eastbound side.

The crash happened around 9:40 a.m. Tuesday at milepost 123 which is an area of the interstate where the westbound lanes are higher than the eastbound lanes.

According to a spokeswoman for the Colorado State Patrol, the semi fell from the upper deck to the bottom deck and is blocking both eastbound lanes.

No other vehicles were involved. The driver was taken to the hospital.

Travelers are advised to avoid the area and seek the northern alternate route for east-west travel. 

The northern alternate route can be accessed at the town of Rifle, exit 87, then north along CO 13 to Craig. The route continues on US 40 to Steamboat, then south on CO 9 to Silverthorne where travelers may access I-70 again. Visit COtrip.org for route details and closure updates.