Update: CDOT officials reopened I-70 through Glenwood Canyon at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday.
A semi-truck transporting canned beverages crashed at 4:15 on Wednesday afternoon at Mile Point 124.6 in the elevated westbound lanes of I-70, about 8.5 miles east of Glenwood Springs. A lengthy safety closure of the canyon was in place for more than six hours following the accident.
Colorado Dept. of Transportation officials say speed may have been a factor in the crash, which led to the truck turning over onto its driver's side. The guardrail ripped into the truck's trailer, tearing it open as it collapsed into the eastbound lanes, spilling its payload.
Speed limits had been lowered through the canyon Wednesday because of winter weather and slick road surfaces.
Diesel fuel from the truck's cab spilled, and crews are working to determine if an additional HAZMAT response will be necessary for any other reason.
A crash in the same spot just west of the Hanging Lake Tunnel led to a long canyon closure on January 30.
CDOT is urging drivers to stay away from the standard northern detour route due to "powerful winter weather conditions and road closures."
According to a press release from the agency:
To use the southern alternate route, westbound motorists from the Denver metro area can travel on US 285 to US 50, and continue west to Grand Junction. Travelers on I-70 can use CO 9 to US 285 south to US 50, or use CO 91 southwest to US 24 to US 50. Eastbound motorists traveling from the Grand Junction area can use US 50 east to US 285 and continue to Denver and areas nearby.
KDNK will continue to monitor this situation.
