Loveland Pass reopened on Wednesday afternoon after being closed for several days due to a landslide that occurred over the weekend. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) worked tirelessly to clear debris from the roadway and ensure it was safe for travel.
The landslide, which took place on Sunday morning, caused significant disruption, but thanks to swift action and expert teamwork, the pass was cleared and reopened.
Although the road is now open, cleanup efforts will continue, and drivers may still encounter CDOT crews working along the shoulder.
The Landslide and Road Closure
The landslide that closed Loveland Pass occurred early on Sunday morning at around 5:30 a.m., affecting the area known as “Scotty’s Curves” near mile marker 226. The slide was caused by material above the roadway becoming saturated from melting snow, which then slid onto the road, blocking it.
Initial reports indicated the landslide was about 100 feet wide and 15-20 feet deep. The incident took place on the Clear Creek County side of the pass, closer to the Loveland Ski Area, causing a temporary shutdown of Highway 6.
Due to the scale of the slide and the potential danger posed by further movement, the Colorado Department of Transportation acted quickly to assess the situation and begin cleanup efforts.
CDOT’s geohazard specialists monitored the mountainside to ensure that no additional movement occurred before allowing the road to be reopened.
Swift Cleanup Efforts
On Wednesday, CDOT brought in seven tandem dump trucks to haul 92 tons of mud and silt from the area. The teams worked efficiently, and by the time the road was reopened, 85% of the debris had already been cleared.
CDOT’s quick response allowed for the pass to reopen earlier than expected, minimizing disruption for drivers traveling through the mountainous region.
“I am incredibly proud of our team’s swift and dedicated work to safely reopen Loveland Pass after the recent landslide,” said Jessica Mykelbust, the CDOT Denver Metro transportation director.
“Our crews’ expertise and tireless efforts ensured that we could restore access through this vital mountain corridor as quickly as possible, demonstrating our commitment to keeping Colorado’s roadways safe and open.”
Although the pass has been cleared for traffic, CDOT warned that motorists may still see cleanup crews working along the shoulder of the road to finish removing remaining debris. These efforts will continue until the area is fully restored.
Historical Context and Safety Measures
While landslides are a natural risk in mountainous regions, Loveland Pass has been stabilized since a similar landslide occurred in 2003. According to CDOT, no further movement has been observed in the area over the past 22 years, making this a relatively rare event.
The department has taken steps to monitor and prevent further issues in the area, ensuring the safety of travelers who rely on this critical mountain pass.
The swift reopening of Loveland Pass after the landslide demonstrates the effectiveness of Colorado’s transportation teams in handling unexpected challenges. While the pass is now accessible, CDOT crews will continue their cleanup efforts to ensure the area remains safe for all travelers.
This landslide serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in maintaining mountain highways, but thanks to expert teams and preparation, the road was cleared and reopened quickly, restoring vital access to the region.