An inside look at the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel
The EJMT is a 24/7/365 operation where human skill fights natural forces to keep Colorado moving
By: Stacia Sellers, Division of Maintenance and Operations Communications Lead
To the millions of commuters and travelers heading into the Rockies, the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel feels like a brief moment — the novelty of the Continental Divide and a quick way to shave miles and avoid a mountain crossing. But for the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Division of Maintenance and Operations, it’s far more than that.
A Battle Against the Elements
The EJMT sits at an elevation of 11,112 feet, where the mountain is constantly moving and the weather is often unforgiving. Unlike an open highway, the tunnel environment presents unique logistical hurdles.
“It’s like trying to fix and maintain a roller coaster while you’re riding it,” says Paul Fox, a CDOT superintendent with over 20 years at the tunnel.
The team isn’t just fighting snow; they're fighting geology. The mountain’s immense weight and constant freeze-thaw cycles mean water infiltration is a permanent challenge. To combat this, crews manage complex water collection systems and wastewater plants that process 200 gallons of water a minute … essentially running a small municipal utility inside a mountain.
The “City” Beneath the Mountain
To keep the lights on and the air clear, the EJMT facility:
- Generates and distributes its own electricity to power 4,400 light bulbs (all replaced annually) and 27 massive ventilation fans
- Maintains a dedicated fire brigade with 22 staff members as trained firefighters who are ready to respond instantly to roadside emergencies
- Operates a 24/7 control center, where 162 cameras are monitored to manage traffic flow and respond to breakdowns
The People Behind the Mission
The EJMT team works 12-hour shifts through some of Colorado’s harshest weather to ensure the tunnel remains open. Their work is seasonal and can be grueling: from responding to traffic incidents in rain or shine to scrubbing tunnel walls and sweeping 16 tons of dirt out of the gutters every year.
“Whether you use the tunnel to get home, play in the mountains or deliver vital goods,” Paul notes, “there is blood, sweat and tears going into keeping it open every single day.”
Working at the EJMT requires more than standard highway maintenance skills. The CDOT team members are heavy equipment operators, electricians and first responders. But beyond maintaining the tunnel itself, crews also deal with the unpredictable realities of the traveling public at 11,000 feet. From bus passengers setting off fire extinguishers in the tunnel to chasing runaway trucks that have lost their drivers, no two shifts are ever the same.
How You Can Help
While our team works tirelessly behind the scenes, drivers still play a critical role in tunnel safety:
- Follow the safety metering: It not only manages traffic congestion, but it also prevents crashes and manages air quality in the tunnels.
- Watch your speed: The transition from an uphill climb to a downhill traverse can be deceptive, with dangerous conditions that may vary drastically from one side of the divide to the other.
- Don’t ride your brakes: No matter what vehicle you’re taking into the mountains, brakes can get burned out and tires lose traction. If your car can shift into a lower gear, that can take the burden off your brakes and use your engine to stay in control.
Real-Time Information for Travelers
Before you head through the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels, check COtrip.org or the COtrip Planner App. These tools provide real-time updates on road conditions, closures and weather alerts.
