Why Interstate 70 In Colorado Was So Difficult To Build

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  • Опубліковано 17 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 121

  • @mintberrycrunch1752
    @mintberrycrunch1752 2 місяці тому +87

    Driving from Denver into the rockies on I-70 and coming over that first hill to see the continental divide in the distance is a truly unforgettable moment. Im thankful to have done it so many times

    • @jeremiahallyn4603
      @jeremiahallyn4603 2 місяці тому +6

      Wow, you can actually see it? I bet it truly is something special to see in person.

    • @johnshort5830
      @johnshort5830 2 місяці тому +4

      It's my favorite view in the United States. It is truly breathtaking.

    • @M_R_Aces
      @M_R_Aces 2 місяці тому

      ​@@jeremiahallyn4603 the :41 of this video is the aforementioned view first view coming up Genesee / Lookout mountain from Denver on westbound 70.

    • @idriveastationwagon1534
      @idriveastationwagon1534 2 місяці тому +2

      i rode that section of I-70 in 2018. Always wanted to see the divide from that part of the interstate. Definitely a site that should be on every US roadgeek's checklist.

    • @mark03061956
      @mark03061956 Місяць тому +1

      Ha! Try it at night in a snowstorm. Did that once; quite the experience.

  • @jcarp1776
    @jcarp1776 2 місяці тому +22

    I grew up in Colorado Springs, and Grandma lived in Utah. I still remember (mid 80’s to early 90’s) watching the progress being made each time we made the trip to go visit. I also remember the horrible construction delays and conditions through Glenwood Canyon.

    • @dwjoseph59
      @dwjoseph59 2 місяці тому +3

      I-25 ain't no joke from albuquerque, nm to buffalo, wy EITHER!! A very beautiful & potentially dangerous drive!!

  • @AeroGuy07
    @AeroGuy07 2 місяці тому +42

    This is still the most beautiful stretch of interstate I've ever driven on. Years ago, I watched a show on Discovery, I think, about the construction. If I remember correctly, the construction companies were had to pay/were fined a set amount for every type of tree they had to cut down. Different trees had different values and it cut down the amount of trees they had to remove.

    • @colormedubious4747
      @colormedubious4747 2 місяці тому +4

      The fines were levied per individual tree removed. The amounts were determined per species. A remarkably low number of trees was ultimately removed.

  • @Sea_Stallion
    @Sea_Stallion 2 місяці тому +17

    I-70 is the jewel of the interstate system

    • @semineil
      @semineil 24 дні тому +1

      H-3 is pretty nice, too.

  • @justtheilluminativ282
    @justtheilluminativ282 2 місяці тому +26

    I went driving to Denver this summer and stopped at Glenwood Springs. It was amazing, and so was the rest of the I-70 drive

    • @jeremiahallyn4603
      @jeremiahallyn4603 2 місяці тому +3

      I bet it was. I wanna visit that area so bad, it looks gorgeous.

  • @jeremiahallyn4603
    @jeremiahallyn4603 2 місяці тому +13

    I am so happy you covered this interstate in Colorado! I just mentioned in the last video how I would love to travel that section of highway. It truly is a beautiful part of our country 🙌😃

  • @sethcampbellmusic
    @sethcampbellmusic Місяць тому +3

    My brother goes to college across the state from me, I live in Northern Colorado. Despite my general frustrations with it, every time I drive over I-70, I just have to acknowledge how much of an engineering marvel it is.

  • @Coolmanbob7
    @Coolmanbob7 2 місяці тому +14

    Eight Christmases ago, I was looking out from a condo in Wildernest/Silverthorne looking at the endless string of lights descend from the Eisenhower Tunnel. Hours and hours.
    I miss Colorado

  • @Erik_C_251
    @Erik_C_251 2 місяці тому +2

    Years back when I was trucking cross country, I made the trip on I-70 from Green River, UT to St. Louis, MO many times. During the warmer months it was an amazing trip, the scenery truly was spectacular from Glenwood Canyon up to the Eisenhower Tunnel. During the winter months it could get extremely treacherous, and it almost seemed as if truck travel was an afterthought as there weren’t very many places through that stretch where a trucker could pull over and fuel, rest or get repairs done…especially near the resort towns.

  • @whiskey5jda
    @whiskey5jda 2 місяці тому +2

    As a former Over the Road Trucker, I-70 is one of the most beautiful routes I have ever driven. It is also one of the most treacherous routes I have taken.

  • @dannypipewrench533
    @dannypipewrench533 2 місяці тому +3

    I drove to Denver along this route for the first time last summer. It is definitely one of the most beautiful roads I have ever been on.

  • @GamingBren
    @GamingBren 2 місяці тому +6

    I’ve never been out west, but I-70 in Glenwood Canyon is definitely still my number-one favorite part of the Interstate System.
    If you haven’t done it already, I’d definitely like to see a video on I-H3, that one’s pretty cool too (as long as you don’t consider its role in the extinction of a local species of bird)

  • @ZakhadWOW
    @ZakhadWOW 2 місяці тому +8

    FUN FACT: as long as it took to finsih I-70 through Glenwood Canyon, the section in Utah crossing the San Rafael Swell took forever, and last time I checked had the longest single stretch between any type of services. not exits - as there are some off into desert roads, but exits with gas or whatever

  • @joancoleman1228
    @joancoleman1228 Місяць тому +1

    I’m a Colorado native and I’ve driven through the mountains many times. In glenwood canyon, ny favorite rest station is “No Name”. I always stop there, even if I don’t need a break.

  • @TheTrafficBoss
    @TheTrafficBoss 2 місяці тому +5

    I work on I-70 doing road construction. This is my backyard!

  • @bl90889lp
    @bl90889lp 2 місяці тому +2

    I was there just a few weeks ago. We got stopped due to a crew blowing loose rock of the sides with dynamite. It was closed for 20 minutes at a time. The Eisenhower tunnel was pretty cool though. It is impressive how this highway was built. Keep up the good work with the content!

    • @BeaverGeography
      @BeaverGeography  2 місяці тому +1

      Thanks for the comment dude! Sounds like a fun experience

  • @jovanweismiller7114
    @jovanweismiller7114 2 місяці тому +2

    My Father-in-law, a partner in Howard Needles Tammen & Bergendoff (HNTB), designed I-70 across Kansas. I once asked him why it wasn't a beautifully landscaped Interstate like it was across Missouri? He told me that Kansas didn't give him enough land to work with. Thank God he didn't have to worry about Colorado!

    • @michaelmcmullen354
      @michaelmcmullen354 Місяць тому

      HNTB did a significant amount of the bridge design work in Glenwood Canyon.

  • @stevenpresement2739
    @stevenpresement2739 2 місяці тому +3

    What a great amount of detail, well done!

  • @B3MDUSA
    @B3MDUSA 2 місяці тому +2

    An ancestor of mine was a photographer and surveyor for the Colorado Department of Highways, and did a huge amount of surveying and photography to lay out I-70, all the way from Denver through Grand Junction, though he did not live long enough to see Glenwood Canyon completed.

  • @melodyanderson7914
    @melodyanderson7914 2 місяці тому +4

    This is the most beautiful major interstate drive in the entire country ❤

  • @drivingbritt9617
    @drivingbritt9617 2 місяці тому +4

    Originally I-70's western terminus was planned to be at I-25 in Denver, but the State DOTs of Colorado and Utah wanted I-70 to be extended westward, as to facilitate a road link between Denver and Salt Lake City, with the road being routed along US-6 all the way to I-15 in Spanish Fork. The DOTs sent this proposal to the federal government, they accepted this proposal, but they also sent back to the DOTs another proposal that was influenced by military planners. The military felt that Southern California wasn't sufficiently connected to the (north)-Central US, and thought that the westward extension of I-70 would have been better fit to serve a link between Denver and Los Angeles, rather than with Salt Lake City, as they felt Denver and Salt Lake City were already sufficiently connected. Hence, this is why I-70 passes through Glenwood Canyon, with it's eastbound lanes being the original pavement of US-6, and it continues to follow US-6's route up until Green River, where US-6 splits from I-70 and heads northwest along with US-191, with I-70 continuing west through the San Rafael Swell and terminating at I-15 in Cove Fort, with westbound 70 angled for southbound 15.

  • @JaySmith-pv2mw
    @JaySmith-pv2mw 2 місяці тому +2

    I spent three weeks in Glenwood Springs years ago. I drove that whole stretch of I-70 from Denver to Grand Junction. It is spectacular. Fortunately I was there in April and didn't get the bad Winter weather.

    • @russlehman2070
      @russlehman2070 Місяць тому

      You were very fortunate. Some of the worst "winter" weather I have encountered in the Colorado Rockies has been during the month of April.

  • @gymkey_67
    @gymkey_67 2 місяці тому +5

    Fire video Beaver

  • @1973Kenny
    @1973Kenny 2 місяці тому +1

    This is another topic I always wanted to learn about. Thank you so much.!

  • @truckercowboyed2638
    @truckercowboyed2638 2 місяці тому +3

    As a trucker i70 through the Rockies is my favorite route

  • @AleksandrIlchenko-vw3py
    @AleksandrIlchenko-vw3py 2 місяці тому +1

    Had driven two times from Utah to Colorado springs with oversize load. Luckly, weather was fine and didn't stuck there)) Amazing views near tunnels

  • @dragon32210
    @dragon32210 2 місяці тому +3

    Was forced to do a rental car ride (missed flight) from Denver to Grand Junction....at night....Was interesting. Would love to do it in the daytime

  • @robbie2671
    @robbie2671 2 місяці тому +1

    the first time i drove i-70 i was moving up to the mountains, my jaw dropped and i was driving like 35 mph. now i dont get mad at people driving slow because its so pretty, i was there once too!!

  • @bobsykes
    @bobsykes 2 місяці тому +1

    Unbelievable! Great video.

  • @MyLifeAsBrandon
    @MyLifeAsBrandon Місяць тому

    I always look forward to your videos even though I’m late to watch them. Lol.
    I traveled on a small portion of this outside of Denver last year. It was so pretty!

  • @cristdhabossgames2736
    @cristdhabossgames2736 2 місяці тому +1

    Interstate H3 in Hawaii is also an engineering marvel with breath taking views

  • @mr_ice117
    @mr_ice117 2 місяці тому +2

    I remember driving a semi on the 70, definitely fun and beautiful but scary at times

  • @FatManWalking18
    @FatManWalking18 2 місяці тому +2

    fun fact: In the movie "vanishing point", Kowalski drove through the I-70 canyon construction site early in the chase.

  • @tonywestvirginia
    @tonywestvirginia 2 місяці тому +1

    Great info. Thanks.

  • @TheRyansLion
    @TheRyansLion Місяць тому

    I grew up here in CO and make countless trips up I70 for skiing. While the road is an engineering marvel, the drivers and traffic drive me insane. No pun intended lol

  • @pizzap11
    @pizzap11 2 місяці тому +1

    Good video as always

  • @TerraEpon
    @TerraEpon 2 місяці тому +2

    Heh, mentioning the closure in August 2022, I actually had to go on I-80 instead on my trip home because of it. Thankfully had cancelable hotel bookings....

  • @allenwiddows7631
    @allenwiddows7631 2 місяці тому +3

    The goal of the engineers through Glenwood Canyon was to create a four-lane interstate that had the same footprint of the existing two-lane US 6 highway. It is a great testament to their abilities and imagination that they pretty much pulled it off…

    • @MisterFourSeventeen
      @MisterFourSeventeen 2 місяці тому +1

      That said, I wonder if it’s possible to upgrade that stretch to 6 lanes (due to traffic).

    • @allenwiddows7631
      @allenwiddows7631 Місяць тому

      @ That’s hard to say. At the moment, the least expensive way it could be done is by eliminating the already narrow shoulders and convert the roadway to 3 narrower lanes each direction, but I’m not sure how well that would work through the tunnels. Reconstructing the roadway to add another full lane each way maybe could be done, but not cheaply, and again the tunnels would be the limiting factor.

    • @michaelmcmullen354
      @michaelmcmullen354 Місяць тому

      Large parts are 6 lanes or will be 6 lanes. Tunnel would require a third tunnel at considerable cost. 6 lanes would not cure all problems though, and would not cure any delays in Glenwood Canyon except it would make maintenance easier. Past Vail traffic is modest.

  • @kaitlynpenley1119
    @kaitlynpenley1119 2 місяці тому +1

    Currently, during the winter when Loveland Pass is impassable, they stage hazmat at the tunnel and stop traffic to escort hazmat through with lower risks for accidents.

  • @carlosbaba4216
    @carlosbaba4216 Місяць тому +1

    Would love to see a passenger train route in the future to connect Denver to Grand Junction and the ski towns in between, would definitely alleviate future traffic more than additional lanes would. Especially during peak tourism ski season where most traffic are tourists renting cars with only a bus alternative.

  • @LegoBeachtrooper
    @LegoBeachtrooper 2 місяці тому +4

    Only 300 views in 30 minutes, bro fell off
    (Just kidding, loved this video. I love getting to learn something new about a topic I like every weekend)

  • @thavionhawkmkii4509
    @thavionhawkmkii4509 2 місяці тому +1

    You should look into US HW 20 from Philomath to Newport, Oregon. A over mountain re-routing with multiple bridges got stuck mid construction for over a decade do to geological and engineering issues. It's the western most part of the longest coast to coast highway in America so having the bit that cuts across Oregon's Coastal Range stuck incomplete for so long is sure to catch your interest.

  • @branagain
    @branagain Місяць тому

    Great video. I just drove that route in August.

  • @bororidley
    @bororidley 2 місяці тому +2

    Now if we can extend I-70 to I-5 that will be amazing.

  • @Equulai
    @Equulai 2 місяці тому +2

    If only there was a way other than autos to lower the traffic volume and still move people and freight efficiently and safely.

  • @mattstakeontheancients7594
    @mattstakeontheancients7594 20 днів тому

    My friends that ride always rave about how pretty I-70 west of Denver is. On my bucket list in the Spring to hit it up. Kind of feel bad living here in CO for over 6 years and never getting anymore west than Golden which is beautiful by the way and basically the start of the best part of I-70 IMO.

  • @douglasmerkel8747
    @douglasmerkel8747 Місяць тому

    I have traveled this road many times and also gone over the Berthold Pass to Winter Park. This is very dangerous driving. I have in addition gone over Tail Ridge Road. Glenwood Canyon is very beautiful and an engineering marvel. Coming down I-70i into Denver I passed a tractor trailer on fire from brakes overheating.

  • @kammore6209
    @kammore6209 2 місяці тому +3

    THE worst traffic you will ever experience in your entire life 😭

  • @osiand9328
    @osiand9328 12 днів тому

    Im from the UK and my dream is to one day drive accross North America. I70 in Colorado is at the top of the list of routes I'd love to drive on

  • @Treyton1212
    @Treyton1212 Місяць тому +1

    Drove this whole stretch round trip this summer
    Pro Tip: make sure your brake pads are 100%!!!

  • @nolanfrank582
    @nolanfrank582 2 місяці тому +1

    Veterans tunnel was a change made within the last ten years.

  • @myaimistrashgaming5175
    @myaimistrashgaming5175 Місяць тому

    I’m so thankful I was born in Colorado

  • @history_leisure
    @history_leisure 2 місяці тому +1

    In Wendover's video, the portion west of Denver was not in the original plan-but it was insisted upon

  • @Diamondking599
    @Diamondking599 2 місяці тому +2

    You should do a video on US Route 19

  • @luigiparisi5841
    @luigiparisi5841 Місяць тому

    Super interesting! These contents are pure gold for an enthusiast like me, and they are even more precious from the eyes of a European, accustomed to completely different motorways (even in their layouts). Have you ever considered comparing the American interstates with some European highway systems (like the German Autoban, the Italian Autostrada, the British Motorway etc.)? That would be really great! For example, this fascinating mountainous stretch of I-70 could be compared to the A5 Alpine autostrada in Italy, that, from the city of Aosta, goes up towards Entrèves and, just like I-70, culminates in a tunnel (the tunnel of Mont Blanc, 6.8 miles long).

    • @BeaverGeography
      @BeaverGeography  Місяць тому +1

      Thanks for the support, I appreciate it! I made a video somewhat similar called "Which Country Has The Best Highway System?". I talk about different countries roads in that so you might be interested

  • @sellinwood1
    @sellinwood1 Місяць тому

    Another hazard of this stretch is Floyd Hill. The eastbound lanes are at a certain angle where sun glare is a major concern in the winter time. This causes closures during the morning rush at times. But yeah, Glenwood Canyon is dangerous even with the mudslides in the summer months from past wildfires!

  • @almeisam
    @almeisam 2 місяці тому +2

    Uh-oh. I saw a picture of Maroon Bells during the discussion of Glenwood Canyon. Maroon Bells is near Aspen. Not even close to I-70. Having been through the canyon many times pre-interstate, they did a good job. But it was still prettier the old way.

    • @KliggLasser
      @KliggLasser 2 місяці тому +2

      It happens. How many times have you seen it on the internet where they show a picture Ayers Rock when they're talking about Sydney, or anywhere else in Australia?

    • @michaelmcmullen354
      @michaelmcmullen354 Місяць тому

      You get to Aspen by way of I70 though, though you can get to Aspen in summer from the other side. In my opinion more beautiful, but parts are not for the faint of heart. Do not take in an RV.

  • @DWNY358
    @DWNY358 2 місяці тому +5

    The Alps in Europe are far more formidable than the American Rockies - yet there are no shortages of freeways across the Alps and other mountain ranges. Italy alone has over 700 freeway tunnels through its mountain ranges.

    • @ZakhadWOW
      @ZakhadWOW 2 місяці тому +2

      you are delulu if you think that overall they are more formidable.. Certain sections are daunting, but there as many if not more areas of that nature across the ROckies.
      Btw Ive crossed the ALps a dozen times or more, via car, train, and flying over, so I do actually have in-depth personal experience.

    • @kaminky228
      @kaminky228 2 місяці тому +1

      European derangement syndrome

  • @redmesa2975
    @redmesa2975 Місяць тому +1

    2:30 Silverthorne metro area 😂. “ massive “ skiing are 😂😂.
    I live nearby. Worked on the tunnel Project. They should have tunneled the entire canyon. It’s dangerous as heck ! Huge rock slides ect

  • @BS-vx8dg
    @BS-vx8dg 2 місяці тому +1

    I'm going to start watching this in a moment, but I really hope there's more to this than . . . mountains.

    • @BeaverGeography
      @BeaverGeography  2 місяці тому +3

      Did It talk sufficiently about the other aspects?

    • @BS-vx8dg
      @BS-vx8dg 2 місяці тому +1

      @@BeaverGeography Definitely. I learned a great deal. Thank you, both for the video, and for guaranteeing that I will never make the mistake of travelling on this between Labor Day and Memorial Day.

    • @BeaverGeography
      @BeaverGeography  2 місяці тому +2

      @@BS-vx8dg Awesome dude, appreciate the support

    • @michaelmcmullen354
      @michaelmcmullen354 Місяць тому +1

      @@BS-vx8dg Probably fine except Friday through Sunday or on holidays, definately not fine Friday through Sunday in winter, mid November through mid April, or if the weather is bad. Expect at least some snow every night in winter. Problem driving through Glenwood Canyon is road is a bit curvy and speed limit is lower than most drivers expect. There are occasional delays for rockfalls and maintenance.

  • @spencerimre
    @spencerimre 2 місяці тому +1

    So we can get this but a train to the ski resorts would be too expensive?

  • @jpatrickmoore5158
    @jpatrickmoore5158 2 місяці тому +1

    Road maintenance in winter... I am not sure about the specific environmental impact of different de-icers. Regular salt (sodium chloride) drops the freezing point to about 25 degrees F. If you use it when the temperature will be going above and below that temperature, you get freeze-thaw cycles the will break down pavement. Magnesium chloride drops substantially lower before freezing, and calcium chloride even further, and CaCl actually generates heat as it goes into solution. I am just wondering how cold it gets up at the tunnel?

    • @michaelmcmullen354
      @michaelmcmullen354 Місяць тому

      Gets very cold, but not necessarily when it is snowing hard. You will be OK with studded snow tires or chains. If you hear of a big delay due to shooting and clearing snowslides, get off at a motel or restraunt.

  • @dvferyance
    @dvferyance 2 місяці тому +2

    I am sure the part east of Denver was very easy to build.

  • @rngfootball759
    @rngfootball759 2 місяці тому +2

    I 70 east from Denver, Limon! When it should be KC

  • @zaynotoven
    @zaynotoven 2 місяці тому +1

    We need a vid about I-10 going through Louisiana

  • @fredfuchs3573
    @fredfuchs3573 2 місяці тому +1

    Hell yeah out west go one state over please

  • @coldpepper3175
    @coldpepper3175 Місяць тому

    Can you do one about I-70/76 in Pennsylvania as well??? 😁

  • @REEDUCATIONCAMPUSA
    @REEDUCATIONCAMPUSA 2 місяці тому +2

    I wish people would stop going 100mph on it.

  • @dynamicremakes5592
    @dynamicremakes5592 2 місяці тому +1

    Colorado is so beautiful and the people are very friendly I moved there from Arizona because I did not like how trashy (red) the state was becoming

  • @dwjoseph59
    @dwjoseph59 2 місяці тому +1

    I-70 from the I-15 junction in utah to denver, co is so potentially treacherous that most trucking companies ban their druvers from getting on that portion of it unless they have at least 1-2 years of over-the-roaf mountain driving with at least 25,000-45,000 lbs liaded trailers experience!! AND I'N NOT KIDDING EITHER FOLKS!!

  • @davenewmyer3735
    @davenewmyer3735 2 місяці тому +2

    Too bad it isn't feasible to put a tunnel from Denver to Grand Junction, and reduce the traffic congestion on I-70.

    • @mrath
      @mrath 2 місяці тому +1

      not sure about congestion, but it would make travel better in the wintertime.

    • @michaelmcmullen354
      @michaelmcmullen354 Місяць тому

      Auto trains would be better and perhaps affordable. The view might be even better. Then existing train route skips the worst part from Denver to Glenwood Springs.

  • @wacowildcat
    @wacowildcat 2 місяці тому +2

    Nice video.
    But “countless years of planning”?
    Years aren’t countless.

    • @michaelmcmullen354
      @michaelmcmullen354 Місяць тому

      Some planning (geological for the tunnel) occured in 1946. Note they are still making plans (design build) for improving a long steep stretch with a sharp curve east of Idahoe Springs. This stretch incorporated the origional geometry when widened and incorporated into the interstate.

  • @scubigaza5445
    @scubigaza5445 Місяць тому

    I live in Florida I think Colorado is the most beautiful out of all the states upstate New York pretty Ohio very beautiful Michigan ok to me Virginia is magic but Colorado is different so magically beautiful like a fairly land in deep winter

  • @newmanc6619
    @newmanc6619 2 місяці тому +1

    Screw the environmental impacts. Building highways is more important than the environment.

    • @sunshineimperials1600
      @sunshineimperials1600 22 дні тому

      And why’s that? Can’t build highways in a terrible environment after all.

  • @Anastaecia
    @Anastaecia Місяць тому

    I'm gonna go with...mountains.

  • @zackatwood2867
    @zackatwood2867 2 місяці тому +1

    super steeep

  • @Rebecca-zr3lu
    @Rebecca-zr3lu 27 днів тому +1

    God, thank you for deliverance from evil and from wickedness. Thank you for being our compass and our strong deliver In Jesus mighty name. Amen 🙏 🤍

  • @omaromz618
    @omaromz618 2 місяці тому +2

    I'm sorry, this is interesting stuff, but I can't deal with your voice.

  • @UHaulShorts
    @UHaulShorts 2 місяці тому +1

    B4 even watchang - absolutelay *NO TWUCKSTAPS*

  • @Pickes-l4i
    @Pickes-l4i 2 місяці тому +1

    4 comments. Bro fell off

    • @MrLSB-w6g
      @MrLSB-w6g 2 місяці тому +1

      This isn’t the channel for you kid

  • @hobbes5043
    @hobbes5043 2 місяці тому +1

    Thank you for copying and rehashing Wendover, I really love empty content like this to fill my meaningless existence

  • @jonathanhendrix8317
    @jonathanhendrix8317 2 місяці тому +1

    beacer geopgrahy

  • @TheCazyMan
    @TheCazyMan 2 місяці тому +2

    the opps ain't ready to drive on i-70 in the winters