Emergency closure of CO 7 for rockslide cleanup expected to extend at least through Tuesday

Travel Advisory

June 16, 2023 - Northeastern Colorado - Crews will be working throughout to ensure road is safe

Boulder County — Crews are continuing to blast, scale and remove rock that slid over CO 7 between Allenspark and Lyons on Wednesday morning, June 14. The road has been closed since that time and is expected to be closed at least through Tuesday, June 20.

Large boulders and lots of dirt and debris covered the road 20 feet across and 40 feet wide. A rough estimate is that more than 2,000 tons of rock fell in the slide.

Geotechnical experts are on site and directing work on the rock face to remove any other rocks that may have been jarred loose in the slide. Through the weekend, crews will continue clearing the area, including blasting some of the larger boulders into pieces that are small enough to haul away.

After all of the debris is cleared from the rock face and the roadway, crews will then determine the extent of the damage to the road and work on repairs, accordingly.

Updates for the closure will be posted to COtrip.org as they are available.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!