JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. — A runaway truck ramp is back open in Colorado's mountains after a six-month repair project.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) said it reopened the emergency escape ramp on eastbound Interstate 70 at Mount Vernon on Sunday.
Located at Mile Post 257 east of Genesee, the escape ramp can be used by truck drivers in the event of an emergency such as failed brakes or a mechanical failure while traveling eastbound into the Denver area.
Over the past six months, CDOT and contractor Structures Inc. worked to make the ramp more visible and robust for drivers. Key improvements included a larger concrete barrier between the ramp and the steep embankment on the other side and a better ramp design.
While the ramp is open for emergency use, CDOT said work continues on other aspects of the project such as additional cameras and better advanced signage, which is expected to be completed in September.
The core construction took place over the winter season when hot brakes are at the lowest risk, CDOT said.
Hot brake locations in Colorado
I-70 has a steep decline eastbound from the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels to Golden.
CDOT said truckers are urged to make sure their brakes and rigs are in good working order before driving down the mountain.
Freight drivers can stop at any of the locations below to check their brakes:
- Eastbound US 6, Mile Point 229 - Loveland Chain Station and Brake Check
- Eastbound I-70, Mile Point 219 - Herman Gulch Chain Station and Brake Check
- Eastbound I-70, Mile Point 228 - Georgetown Chain Station and Brake Check
- Eastbound/Westbound I-70 Dumont Weigh Station, Exit 234 (Downieville-Lawson Exit)
- Eastbound I-70, Mile Point 241 - Idaho Springs Chain Station and Brake Check
- Eastbound I-70, Mile Point 250 - El Rancho Chain Station and Brake Check
- Truck parking off eastbound I-70 at the Walmart Supercenter in Evergreen - Exit 251
- Eastbound I-70, Exit 254 (Genesee Park Exit) - Genesee Brake Check Area
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