Hanging Lake Tunnel
Coordinates: 39°35′19″N 107°11′10″W / 39.588575°N 107.186007°W
The Hanging Lake Tunnel is a dual bore highway tunnel carrying Interstate 70 (I-70) and U.S. Route 6 (US 6) through a mountain bordering Glenwood Canyon, just east of exit #125 in Garfield County, Colorado, USA.
[edit] Description
Each bore is 4,000 feet (1,200 m) long.[1] The tunnels house a command center, which is accessed from a hangar door inside. The command center monitors cameras through the canyon, and are used to control variable message signs to slow down or re-direct traffic, engage contraflow in the event of an accident, and dispatch tow trucks. This command center also monitors the tunnels under Wolf Creek Pass along US 160.[1]
[edit] History
Construction began on the Glenwood Canyon Area in 1980, being one of the last portions of the Interstate highway system to be completed. The tunnels were completed in 1992 as part of the larger Glenwood Canyon project along I-70, totalling $490 million.[2]
[edit] References
- ^ a b Stufflebeam Row, Karen; LaDow, Eva and Moler, Steve. "Glenwood Canyon 12 Years Later". United States Department of Transportation - Federal Highway Administration. http://www.tfhrc.gov/pubrds/04mar/04.htm.
- ^ Colorado Department of Transportation. "Glenwood Canyon I-70 Final Link". http://www.coloradodot.info/about/50th-anniversary/interstate-70/glenwood-canyon. Retrieved 2010-06-19.
