Although difficult, the Colorado DOT make every effort to keep the pass open year-round, so take advantage of the opportunity to drive the long way around and appreciate the beautiful views. Prior to the construction of the tunnel, the Loveland Pass was the route around the mountain and over the Continental Divide. A two and three drift tunnel support to be used on the east side (3266 ft.) A multiple drifts support system in the middle (503 ft.) A steel-supported horseshoe shape tunnel on the west side (4155 ft.) Construction of the second bore of the Eisenhower Tunnel was a success in every sense of the word. The tunnel bores measure 48 by 40 feet (15. altitude, where the massive machines trucked up for the job labored to find enough oxygen.Įisenhower Tunnel is approximately 60 miles west of Denver on I-70.ĭue to efforts of the full-time crew, the tunnel is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Eisenhower tunnel is noted as the longest mountain tunnel and highest point on the Interstate Highway System. They were tasked with removing approximately one million cubic yards of material from each bore, not an easy project above 11,000 ft. View the job description, responsibilities and qualifications for this position.

When the ribbon was cut on the tunnel, 44.3 feet high and 47.5 feet. Apply for the Job in Tunnel Facilities Trade Worker - Eisenhower Tunnel at Summit, CO. The second tunnel was completed in 1979, finally allowing 4 lanes of traffic to access the Rocky Mountains.Ĭonstruction of this project was an immensely difficult undertaking, trusted to a joint venture called Straight Creek Constructors. Since the tunnel opened on March 8, 1973, millions of cars have crossed under the Continental Divide through the passage. Although projected to be completed in three years, the first tunnel was completed five years after commencement in 1973. We were forced to go down the other side of the tunnel with hundreds of our now-close friends at 35-45 miles per hour.Passing under the Continental Divide at an average of 11,112 ft., the Eisenhower Tunnel is a twin bore tunnel allowing traffic to pass under the mountain to their final destination. With almost no snow on the roads and plenty of traction. At first glance, the Elmwood 1820 seems like a classic bed & breakfast in a historic mansion. A Colorado road trip up I-70 can take you to world famous. Only to be greeted by two State Patrol cars on the other side. Colorado Road Trip: Fun Stops off I-70 Heading West from Denver. We were at the front of the stop, so we cruised on through the very empty, very eerie tunnel. No trucks went through (they were all going over US 6 from what I saw). Presumably there was indeed an accident or no, they’re just checking to make sure all trucks got through. Red lights at the Eisenhower TunnelĪfter 10 minutes we saw two State Troopers, lights on, cruise through the tunnel. Either there was an accident, or they’re doing their hourly closing of the tunnel to let hazmat trucks through. The cheapest way to get from Denver to Eisenhower Tunnel costs only 11, and the quickest way takes just 1 hours. Royal Gorge Bridge 1964 Canon City Colorado, Colorado Towns, Denver Colorado. At 9 PM we heard the siren and saw the red lights flip at the Eisenhower Tunnel. Eisenhower Tunnel, I-70, East-bound and down for Denver. This weekend we hit some slowdowns and ‘packs’ on I-70 westbound but we neared the tunnel and were home free… If we plan to ski during the weekend we’ll usually drive up and stay Friday night to avoid the hassle of Saturday and Sunday morning traffic jams (or waking up a crazy hours).