2014

Suspicious Item on I-70 Near DeBeque Closes Interstate In Both Directions

Posted by Mesa County JIC on September 2, 2014
Posted in: 2014, I-70 Suspicious Item Sept. 2. Leave a comment

At approximately 11:30 this morning Colorado Department of Transportation crews were picking up trash for their Adopt a Highway program when they noticed a suspicious item on the bridge that goes over the Colorado River just east of DeBeque (approximately mile marker 62.8).  The CDOT crew notified the Colorado State Patrol, which then requested the closure of I-70 in both directions as a safety precaution while they investigated.  CSP also requested assistance from the Grand Junction Police Department Bomb Squad, which arrived on scene a short time later.

CSP set up the following detours:

Westbound: exit at mile marker 72 (west of Parachute) to US 6 to W 1/2 Rd, and eventually back to I-70

Eastbound: exit at mile marker 62 (DeBeque exit) to US 6 to W 1/2 Rd, and eventually back to I-70

The bomb squad began investigating, utilizing a robot and other equipment.  At approximately 3:15pm they were able to render the item safe.  This allowed the eastbound lanes of I-70 to reopen.  The westbound lanes remain closed for further investigation, but they are expected to open momentarily.
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