Colorado’s Loveland Pass closes, forcing more trucks through tunnel

The Associated Press

2/1/2008

GEORGETOWN, Colo. — Loveland Pass was shut down early Friday because of wintry weather and avalanche control, forcing more trucks to use Interstate 70 through the Eisenhower Tunnel.

The 1.7-mile-long tunnel was being shut down every hour to let trucks carrying hazardous cargo through with no other traffic. Those trucks normally use U.S. 6 over Loveland Pass.

Colorado Department of Transportation spokesman Gene Towne said that traffic tie-ups on I-70 haven't been extensive despite the hourly shutdowns.

Highway crews are trying to clear away snow that might cascade onto Loveland Pass in avalanches.

There initially was no word on when Loveland Pass might reopen.