I-70 Hanging Lake Tunnel emergency repair project underway

Travel Advisory

Oct. 12, 2026 - Northwestern Colorado - Single lane closures and shoulder closures expected

Garfield County — The Colorado Department of Transportation and contract partner Structures Inc. has begun emergency repair work on the Hanging Lake Tunnel (HLT) on westbound Interstate 70 in Glenwood Canyon from Mile Point 125 to 126.

Work hours are anticipated to be Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Fridays from 7 a.m. to noon. Travelers should expect single-lane and shoulder closures within the work zone.

The project involves removing three-panel metal vertical lift doors, guide angles, counterweight systems, metal frames and lifting mechanisms that separate the Cinnamon Creek Complex maintenance area from the westbound I-70 lanes of the tunnel. Replacing these components will ensure safer access to the HLT maintenance facility.

Motorists are urged to slow down as they approach the work zone, drive with caution, allow extra space between vehicles, and plan for additional travel time. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of October.

About Hanging Lake Tunnel in Glenwood Canyon

Hanging Lake Tunnel consists of a pair of 4,000-foot tunnels on I- 70 in Glenwood Canyon. Completed in 1992, the tunnel was part of a major infrastructure project to build a safe, efficient highway through one of Colorado’s most rugged and environmentally sensitive regions. A vital link for I-70 travel and traffic safety, the HLT houses one of four CDOT operations centers. This facility provides live traffic monitoring, emergency response coordination, and communication services for much of western Colorado.

Traffic Impacts

Starting Tuesday, October 6, traffic impacts to westbound I-70 will include:

  • Work hours are Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Fridays from 7 a.m. to noon
  • Motorists can expect westbound I-70 single lane closures and shoulder closures with up to 10-minute traffic holds prior to the tunnel
  • Traffic fines will be doubled in the work zone
  • Motorists should slow down as they approach the work zone, drive with caution, allow extra space between vehicles and give themselves extra travel time

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

  • Call the project information line at 970-661-3086
  • Email the project team at: [email protected]

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!

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