The Colorado Department of Transportation has shifted two eastbound lanes of U.S. 36 across to the westbound side of the highway near Wadsworth Boulevard. The temporary detour reroutes the highly-trafficked route around the collapsed section of the road.
"U.S. 36 is a vital corridor to the Denver Metro region and it’s critical we keep all travel lanes open," said Shoshana Lew, the agency's executive director in a statement. "The CDOT team has worked around the clock to get eastbound travel lanes open as soon and as safely as possible to keep people and commerce moving."
For about a half-mile on the westbound side of U.S. 36, the road is now two lanes in each direction of travel. The Express Lane and shoulder are part of the temporary shift. CDOT advises that travel will be slower in the affected area.
CDOT said that a contractor will be brought on board this week to rebuild the damaged section of the highway. The pitfalls of the soil in the are a known problem, but the costs and the ultimate responsibility for repairs aren't immediately clear.
