A recent landslide on Loveland Pass, located in Colorado’s high country, has led to the closure of a stretch of U.S. Highway 6. The incident occurred on Sunday evening when a massive landslide, spanning 100 feet in width, covered the road with a thick wall of mud and debris ranging from 15 to 20 feet high.
The landslide took place on the Clear Creek County side of the mountain pass, closer to the Loveland Ski Area.
Stage One of Cleanup Nearly Complete
As of Tuesday, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) confirmed that 85% of the mud, rocks, and silt that had blocked the road had been cleared. However, the cleanup isn’t over yet.
Crews are still working to assess the stability of the mountainside to ensure that the road is safe to reopen. Despite progress, CDOT has not given an estimated time for when U.S. Highway 6 will be open again.
CDOT has urged everyone, including motorists, hikers, and cyclists, to avoid the area until the cleanup is complete and the road is declared safe. They also mentioned that the landslide occurred in a region called Scotty’s Curves, which had not experienced a similar event since 2003.
Potential Delays for Drivers
Due to the closure, trucks carrying hazardous materials have been rerouted through the Eisenhower Tunnel on Interstate 70. This detour is likely to cause some delays for drivers traveling between Summit County and Clear Creek County.
While efforts continue to clear the road, CDOT is prioritizing safety and is working diligently to reopen the pass. Motorists planning to travel through this area in the coming days should stay informed about the situation to avoid disruptions.
In conclusion, Loveland Pass remains closed due to the landslide, and while the first stage of cleanup is nearly complete, much work remains. Travelers are advised to stay clear of the area until further notice.
The closure has caused rerouting of hazardous material trucks, which could lead to delays for other drivers using the Eisenhower Tunnel.