Protecting the Lifeline of the Rockies: CDOT Firefighters Guard I-70 Tunnels

If you've ever driven from the Western Slope to the Front Range, you've likely passed through the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels on I-70. What you might not know is that a team of CDOT firefighters is stationed at the tunnels, ready to respond to emergencies at a moment's notice. This dedicated team is crucial to keeping the tunnels open and safe, which is essential for our local economy and daily commutes.

The fire brigade at the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels consists of 22 members, all of whom have other jobs at the tunnels, such as maintenance or snowplow driving. However, when an emergency arises, they drop everything to respond. Their primary goal is to quickly extinguish any fires and prevent damage to the tunnel infrastructure. With mutual aid agreements in place with Summit Fire & EMS and Clear Creek Fire Authority, the CDOT fire brigade is well-equipped to handle a range of emergencies, from vehicle fires to wildfires along I-70.

The importance of keeping the tunnels open cannot be overstated. With an average of 35,000 vehicles passing through the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels every day, a closure would have significant impacts on our local economy. CDOT estimates that every hour I-70 is closed costs the state's economy nearly $2 million. For Western Slope residents, this means that a long-term closure of the tunnels could lead to increased costs for goods and services, as well as longer commute times. For example, if you're a business owner in Grand Junction who relies on shipping goods to the Front Range, a tunnel closure could mean delayed deliveries and lost revenue.

What This Means for Western Slope Residents

So, what can you do to support the CDOT fire brigade and help keep the tunnels safe? For starters, be aware of your surroundings when driving through the tunnels. If you notice any signs of a fire or emergency, pull over to a safe location and call 911. You can also support local efforts to prevent wildfires, which can spread quickly and threaten the tunnels. By being mindful of fire restrictions and taking steps to prevent human-caused fires, you can help reduce the risk of a tunnel closure.

In addition, it's worth noting that the CDOT fire brigade's efforts are not limited to responding to emergencies. They also work to prevent fires from occurring in the first place, through regular training exercises and maintenance of the tunnel infrastructure. By investing in the safety and security of the tunnels, CDOT is helping to protect the economic lifeline of the Western Slope. As CDOT Tunnel Superintendent Paul Fox said, "We're here to protect the tunnel asset... We need that building in one piece. So, we're here to keep people safe and protect CDOT's assets." For Western Slope residents, this means that CDOT is committed to keeping the tunnels open and safe, which is essential for our daily lives and local economy.