Update: Westbound I-70 now open near Wolcott; eastbound I-70 and US 6 safety closures continue

Travel Advisory

September 7, 2023 - Northwestern Colorado - Crews working closely with firefighter crews in hopes of reopening tonight

Update posted at 5:45 p.m.:

Eagle County - Westbound Interstate 70 is open near Wolcott. Eastbound I-70 continues to be closed at this time to support first responders. A safety closure is also in place for U.S. Highway 6 due to damaged power poles. CDOT crews are working hard to reopen eastbound I-70 and US 6 to avoid closures extending overnight. The eastbound I-70 closure is in place on I-70 from Mile Points 147-157. US 6 is closed at Mile Points 150-157. The fire was originally started by a vehicle crash on US 6. All real-time traffic impacts will continue to be posted to COtrip.org.

I-70 and US 6 are closed due to a wildfire on Sept. 7, 2023.
I-70 and US 6 are closed due to a wildfire on Sept. 7, 2023.

Update posted at 3:30 p.m.: 

Eagle County - I-70 and US 6 are closed in both directions near Wolcott due to a wildfire. CDOT recommends motorists use the northern alternate route to avoid the closure. The alternate route is recommended because the safety closure is expected to last several hours. The wildfire is causing heavy smoke on the interstate and the fire may expand quickly due to weather conditions. Firefighters on scene and air firefighting resources are anticipated. The closure is in place on I-70 from Mile Points 147 to 157. US 6 is closed at Mile Points 150 to 157. The fire was originally started by a vehicle crash on US 6. All real-time traffic impacts will continue to be posted to COtrip.org.

Westbound I-70: Motorists coming from the Denver metro area or I-25 can travel westbound on I-70 to Silverthorne, then turn north onto CO 9 or CO 131. Each roadway will connect with US 40. Motorists should turn west onto US 40 towards Craig. After reaching Craig, motorists can return south via CO 13 towards Rifle. Access to I-70 westbound is at Rifle.

Eastbound I-70: Motorists traveling eastbound from Utah or Grand Junction can reach the Denver Metro area by traveling the route above in reverse.

The northern alternate route will require approximately 2.5 hours additional travel time to reach your destination, compared to traveling on I-70 through Glenwood Canyon and Eagle County.

By traveling on the recommended alternate route, motorists can avoid major delays caused by rough roads and other hazards. Before detouring onto any alternate route, motorists should refer to COtrip.org for the latest road conditions.