I-70 Reopens Following Mudslide Near Glenwood Springs

GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - A mudslide closed part of Interstate 70 between Glenwood Springs and Dotsero on Saturday afternoon. Both east and westbound lanes were closed for several hours.

Eastbound lanes reopened at around 8 p.m., while westbound lanes reopened at around 10:20 p.m.

Garfield County Sheriff's officials say the mud was seven feet deep in the westbound lanes and could creep into the eastbound lanes.

Lanes heading east between mile markers 109 and 87 were closed, while lanes going west were closed between exits 133 in Dotsero to exit 116 in Glenwood Springs.

Details about the mudslide or whether anyone was hurt were not immediately given.

The area has been of concern because of the Grizzly Creek Fire burn scar and the potential for flash flooding. Colorado State Patrol says debris from the burn scar caused the closure on Saturday.

There was a flash flood warning for Eagle and Garfield counties until 5:45 p.m.

CDOT closed rest areas and the recreation path in Glenwood Canyon on Saturday at around 2:45 pm.

CSP reminds drivers it is illegal to drive a vehicle longer than 35 feet on Independence Pass. Violators could face $1,100 in fines.

They provided an alternate route for drivers which takes them up through northern Colorado.