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Hanging Lake Tunnel: An Engineering Marvel in Glenwood Canyon

Drive through an engineering marvel that ensures safety and protects the beauty of Glenwood Canyon, Colorado.

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The Hanging Lake Tunnel is a dual-bore highway tunnel that carries Interstate 70 through Glenwood Canyon, Colorado. Completed in 1992, it's known for its advanced traffic management system and unique construction that incorporates a full-time fire and rescue department within the tunnel complex.

A brief summary to Hanging Lake Tunnel

  • 62583-60657, I-70, Glenwood Springs, CO, 81601, US

Local tips

  • Consider visiting the nearby Hanging Lake. Access requires a permit and involves a steep, rigorous 1.2-mile hike.
  • Be aware of potential traffic delays, especially during peak seasons or due to weather conditions in Glenwood Canyon.
  • Take advantage of the rest areas in Glenwood Canyon for scenic views and access to recreational activities.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Hanging Lake Tunnel is located on I-70 in Glenwood Canyon, east of Glenwood Springs. From Glenwood Springs, take I-70 East. The tunnel is situated approximately 12 miles east of Glenwood Springs. There are no tolls to drive through the tunnel. Be aware of speed reductions and lane closures, especially during maintenance.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Hanging Lake area using public transport, take the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) bus to Glenwood Springs. From there, transportation options to the Hanging Lake Trailhead include taxi or rideshare services. Expect to pay around $20-30 for a one-way taxi or rideshare trip to the Hanging Lake Rest Area. Note that ride-sharing services are not allowed to drop off or pick up hikers at the Hanging Lake Trailhead.

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Discover more about Hanging Lake Tunnel

The Hanging Lake Tunnel is more than just a passage; it's a critical piece of infrastructure and a testament to engineering ingenuity. Situated in Glenwood Canyon, just east of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, the tunnel carries I-70 and U.S. Highway 6 through the southern wall of the canyon. Named for the nearby Hanging Lake, a popular hiking destination, the tunnel is a key feature of the 12.5-mile stretch of I-70 through Glenwood Canyon, which was the last piece of the original US Interstate highway system to be built. Construction on the Glenwood Canyon section began in 1980, with the tunnels completed in 1992 as part of a $490 million project. Each of the two bores is 4,000 feet (1,200 m) long. What sets the Hanging Lake Tunnel apart is the command center housed inside the tunnel complex. Accessed from a hangar door, this center monitors cameras throughout the canyon, controlling variable message signs, managing traffic flow, and dispatching emergency services. The complex even houses a full-time fire and rescue department, ready to respond to incidents within the tunnel or anywhere in the canyon. The design of the tunnel also aimed to blend the structure into the surrounding environment. Driving through the tunnel, motorists might not realize they are passing through a sophisticated transportation management hub. The Hanging Lake Tunnel stands as a reminder of the effort to balance infrastructure with environmental preservation in this scenic area.

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