I-70 GLENWOOD CANYON-DESIGN CONCEPT

A critical section of Interstate Route I-70 follows the Colorado River through Glenwood Canyon in western Colorado. Physical constraints imposed by the narrow winding Canyon, coupled with environmental concerns, present a major design and construction challenge. A design team of architects, environmentalists, geologists, and engineers made a detailed on-site evaluation of the project and reviewed such data as river flooding records; snowfall and winter icing problems; existing vegetation, fish, and wildlife species and habitats; and recreational and scenic sites. The recommended design embodies a terraced concept, avoiding excavation of the canyon walls. The design meets Interstate criteria for 50-mph (80-km/hr) speeds, with two 24-ft (7.3-m) roadway plus 10-ft (3-m) shoulders on the right side of each roadway. Access is provided to several scenic points, with picnic and restroom facilities, access to the river, and hiking trails. A bicycle path is provided through the entire section.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/8674831
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  345 East 47th Street
  New York, NY  United States  10017-2398
• Authors:
  • Looper, J H
• Publication Date: 1976-5

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: p. 201-213
• Serial:
  • Journal of Transportation Engineering
  • Volume: 102N
  • Issue Number: TE2
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0733-947X
  • Serial URL: https://ascelibrary.org/journal/jtepbs

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Canyons; Environmental protection; Highway design; Interstate highways; Multidisciplinary teams; Regional transportation; Slopes; Transportation planning
• Old TRIS Terms: Terracing
• Subject Areas: Design; Economics; Environment; Highways; Society;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00144327
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: ASCE # 12138
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 30 1977 12:00AM