We replaced and repaired some transmission and distribution structures over the summer and fall of 2019 in the Glenwood Canyon and in areas within the White River National Forest. The work is taking place between the Shoshone Hydroelectric Plant and the City of Glenwood Springs.
This work is important to maintaining a reliable electric system for the area now and in the future. Some of the transmission structures have reached their end-of-life use, with many dating back to initial placement in the early 1900s. Approximately 30 transmission structures and approximately 10 distribution structures were replaced during the effort. (View Structure examples.)
Safety is very important to Xcel Energy and its contractors. Traffic control measures will be put into place during construction to ensure the safety of all in the project area. Crews will work to ensure the least amount of impact to traffic, trail and river activities as possible. We sincerely thank you and appreciate your patience during construction. Please check back for updates on the construction schedule and associated traffic impacts.
Helicopters are being used during construction to remove old structures and bring in new ones. In addition, the helicopters will transport crews and other equipment and tools as needed. Most of the work will take place with a standard helicopter, but some structure setting will require a larger helicopter.
Helicopter work will take place Monday-Saturday anytime between 9 am- 3:00 pm. The number of helicopter trips will vary based on the work crews are doing and weather impacts. The helicopter will fly between two sites from near Dotsero to the project area in Glenwood Canyon and Hopkins Substation about five miles east of Highway 82. (View approximate flight path map.)
Construction work includes temporary single lane closures and rolling roadblocks along parts of I-70 in Glenwood Canyon. Please note the dates below are subject to change. Check back for updates.
Road closures and rolling road blocks along parts of I-70 will take place between 9 am- 3:00 pm Monday-Saturday in the project area between the Shoshone Hydroelectric Plant and the City of Glenwood Springs (mile markers 117-124). (View traffic impact map.)
Bikers and rafters in the project area may be subject to intermittent delays during construction. Flaggers will be posted on the trails and river entrances in affected areas to keep everyone informed. The delays should be limited to 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day for safety reasons as the helicopters pass overhead, but overall delays could be longer due to additional factors.
info@xcelenergyglenwoodcanyon.com
970-989-3860 (call or text for information, weekly construction updates will also be available on the project hotline)
