I-70 Reopens Following Multiple Accidents Near Eisenhower Tunnel
The good news for Colorado travelers is Interstate 70 is open and the weekend travel forecast looks great.
Accidents Shut Down I-70 On Thursday
I-70 travelers were frustrated late Thursday afternoon when I-70 was closed in both directions near the Eisenhower and Johnson Tunnels because of accidents. Snow showers in the high country led to poor road conditions and the results were predictable.
According to CBS4 Denver, there was a multiple-vehicle collision east of Eisenhower Tunnel just after 5:00 Thursday afternoon that shut down the eastbound lanes of I-70. About 30 minutes later, westbound traffic also had to be stopped because of an accident west of the tunnel. Westbound I-70 traffic was open before 8:30 pm and the east-bound lanes were cleared by about 9:30 pm.
One unofficial report indicated as many as 10-vehicles were involved in one of the crashes and there was a report that one driver was being investigated for driving under the influence.
Anyone who has lived in Colorado for any length of time knows you can expect the unexpected on I-70 no matter what time of year you travel. Closures and delays on the I-70 corridor are just a part of the Colorado lifestyle we've come to expect and accept - which doesn't mean we don't get frustrated when we get stuck on the highway for an hour or two and sometimes more.
Weekend Outlook
While there is no guarantee there won't be delays and closures this weekend along I-70, we do have reason to be optimistic. The weather outlook from Grand Junction to Denver is looking pretty good.
Snow showers are expected Friday and Friday night over Vail Pass and around the tunnels., but little or no accumulation is expected. Sunshine is expected on Saturday and Sunday with highs in the 40s on Vail Pass and near 60 around Georgetown.
Meanwhile, Denver which has experienced its snowiest winter in 37 years, should have similar conditions on Friday and weekend temperatures in the 60s and 70s.
In spite of the good weekend outlook, it always pays to be aware of conditions when traveling I-70. Hope for the best, expect the worst, and always be prepared for emergency situations.