Truckers Warned Not To Use Independence Pass or Cottonwood Pass as Detour

The Colorado State Troopers have stationed a Salida trooper on Independence Pass in Lake County to prevent truckers from attempting to drive the narrow, winding pass.

Due to the closure of Interstate 70 in Glenwood Canyon because of the Grizzly Creek Fire, truckers have been trying to use Independence Pass as a way around the wildfire.

To guard against further violations and to try to ensure the safety of other drivers, the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office has closed Independence Pass indefinitely.

I-70 continues to be closed between mile point 116 (Glenwood Springs) and 140 (Gypsum) due to the Grizzly Creek Fire. There are no estimates on when the interstate could reopen.

Other motorists and truckers are trying to use Cottonwood Pass, which runs from Gypsum and meets up with Highway 82 south of Glenwood Springs at Cattle Creek Road. The Colorado Department of Transportation is discouraging driver to go over Cottonwood, which has a section of gravel road.