GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo., March 8 (UPI) -- A Colorado state official said a portion of Interstate 70 in Garfield County, Colo., was closed by a major rockslide Monday.
Colorado Department of Transportation spokeswoman Stacy Stegman said falling boulders the size of semi trucks -- one weighing as much as 66 tons -- also damaged the highway's westbound bridge while several large rocks blocked off both sides of the highway, KDVR-TV, Denver, reported.
"The rocks have made holes in the elevated sections of roadway -- the largest being in the westbound lanes (closest to the hillside) and measuring 20 feet by 10 feet. Another hole in the lower eastbound lanes measures 6 feet by 6 feet, " a CDOT statement said. "There are a half a dozen other holes and 'dips' in the roadway, as well as areas where rocks are embedded. Most of these repair areas appear to be approximately 5 feet by 5 feet."
Stegman said until the suspected source of the rockslide can be properly examined, it is impossible to determine how long it will take workers to reopen the interstate or if additional rockslides may occur.
No vehicles were struck during the rockslide and no injuries were reported.
