Exploring the Heights: Interstate 70's Majestic Journey Through the Rockies
Interstate 70 (I-70) is an engineering marvel stretching from Cove Fort, Utah, to Baltimore, Maryland, with a particularly noteworthy segment that carves through the heart of the Rocky Mountains from Denver, Colorado. This interstate is not just a crucial artery for travel and commerce but also an emblem of natural beauty and human ingenuity.
Historical Beginnings and Expansion Initially, the Federal Highway Act of 1944 only authorized I-70 between Denver and the Kansas state line. The stretch west of Denver was not initially included due to the mountainous terrain of U.S. 6 & 50, which would have made construction exceedingly costly. It was not until after determined negotiations by Colorado officials and subsequent approval by Utah and Congress in October 1956, under the 1956 Interstate Act, that I-70 was extended to U.S. 91 in south-central Utah.
A Scenic and Challenging Route I-70 offers breathtaking views and encounters with wildlife, such as bighorn sheep and mountain goats, as it passes beneath 14,000-foot peaks. The road itself is a marvel, with the Eisenhower Tunnel— the highest point on the Interstate Highway system at 11,158 feet and the longest mountain tunnel, spanning nearly 2 miles underground through a mountainside.
I-70 Near Georgetown
Engineering Feats The USDOT acknowledges I-70's construction through the Rocky Mountains as one of the Interstate Highway System's great engineering feats, with significant accomplishments such as the Eisenhower Tunnel, Vail Pass, and Glenwood Canyon. The Eisenhower Tunnel stands as the longest mountain tunnel and the highest point along the Interstate Highway System. The stretch through Glenwood Canyon, completed in 1992, is one of the most expensive rural highways per mile built in the United States and won the 1993 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Traffic Challenges However, traversing this highway from Denver into the mountains can present challenges, especially on busy days. Frequent accidents and heavy traffic can turn a 67-mile drive into an arduous hours-long journey. The Colorado Department of Transportation has even launched initiatives to check motorists' tires at ski resorts in Summit County to address safety concerns, as bad tires are a significant cause of accidents in this region.
Glenwood Canyon's Grandeur One of the most visually stunning portions of I-70 is where it passes through Glenwood Canyon. A 12-mile section features several tunnels and over 40 bridges and viaducts, with the eastbound lanes cantilevered over the Colorado River and the westbound lanes suspended above the canyon floor. The construction of this section was lauded for its delicate balance between engineering and environmental preservation.
Recreation and Attractions Along I-70 The interstate is also a gateway to adventure and recreation, providing access to ski resorts, hot springs, and historical sites such as old gold mines. During the winter months, equipped with 4-wheel drive and appropriate tires, one can navigate through storms to reach destinations like Silverthorne, Frisco, and Breckenridge, where the attractions of Colorado's rugged landscape await.
This section of I-70 represents a unique confluence of natural beauty and engineering prowess, serving as a vital link between the urban bustle of Denver and the mountainous, picturesque landscapes of the Rockies. It's a testament to the tenacity of human endeavor against the backdrop of one of nature's most formidable environments.