Rapidly Forming Pothole Causes Major Traffic Delays on I-70 Near Morrison
Traffic came to a near standstill Friday afternoon on eastbound Interstate 70 near Morrison after a large pothole suddenly opened up on the bridge deck at the Morrison exit. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the pothole formed in just 20 to 30 minutes due to heavy rainfall in an active construction zone. The damage was significant enough to expose the rebar beneath the road surface.
CDOT cameras showed long lines of vehicles moving slowly—if at all—about a mile east of Lookout Mountain around noon. Officials reported that the pothole developed in an area undergoing resurfacing work between Chief Hosa and Colfax. That construction, which takes place overnight, involves milling away old asphalt to reach and repair the concrete base.
“As of early this morning, when the contractor wrapped up the shift, crews had not seen any damage to the bridge deck,” a CDOT spokesperson said. However, conditions changed rapidly due to the weather, prompting immediate lane closures and emergency repairs.
Crews worked throughout the afternoon to patch the middle lane, where the damage occurred. CDOT said the repair work would take most of the day, with the goal of reopening the roadway as soon as it is safe to do so. In the meantime, the two right lanes remain closed, and eastbound drivers are being detoured via U.S. Highway 40.
Motorists are urged to expect delays and exercise caution when driving through the construction area.
