Colorado crews continue work to clear mudslide debris covering I-70 in Garfield County

Colorado Department of Transportation personnel are working to remove tons of mud and debris that covered I-70 after flash flooding on Monday. On Tuesday afternoon, a section of the interstate remained closed between Rifle and Glenwood Springs and a detour was in place.

CDOT says around 7 p.m., the area became impassable due to a debris flow. Flood waters filled the area with mud, logs, and rocks and overwhelmed the local drainage system.

"A very quick, very heavy rain and hailstorm brought a lot of moisture and the dry ground was not able to absorb, which caused massive flooding and piles of debris to overwhelm the drainage system in this area," said Jason Smith, CDOT Regional Transportation Director. "Our maintenance crew reacted quickly and worked in conjunction with our State Patrol partners to get the roadway closed off and route vehicles onto detours." 

CDOT says the landslide covered more than 300 yards of the highway in debris, and some areas are as deep as three feet.

The interstate closure is between Exit 97 -- Silt Eastbound and Exit 105 -- Westbound New Castle. Authorities warned that extended delays are expected and urged drivers to use cotrip.org for updates and detour information.