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I-70 reopens through Glenwood Canyon after closure due to flash flood warning

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Posted at 5:00 PM, Sep 03, 2021
and last updated 2021-09-03 22:00:43-04

DENVER – The Colorado Department of Transportation shut down Interstate 70 in both directions through Glenwood Canyon Friday afternoon after a flash flood warning was issued for the area, but it reopened by 6:30 p.m.

The flash flood warning was issued at 4:15 p.m. as a storm moved through the area. CDOT has said for weeks that it will close the interstate down when a flash flood warning is issued because of the potential for debris flow.

The interstate was closed between West Glenwood and Dotsero, according to CDOT. It reopened at 6:30 p.m. after the flash flood warning expired. Crews looked at the canyon to be sure no debris came down and deemed the road safe.

"For those traveling through Glenwood Canyon over the holiday weekend, please note that Saturday could feature a weak storm capable of brief light rain on the burn scar, while Sunday and Monday should be pleasant and dry," CDOT said.

A series of storms that brought heavy rain to the area this summer caused large mudslides in Glenwood Canyon in late July that damaged parts of the interstate.

It reopened after a two-week closure mid-August and has not seen any extended closures since then, even though the last major rain brought down some more debris from the canyon walls above the road.

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