The Vail Daily reports that the I-70 closure due to the Glenwood Canyon rockslide has generated several requests that Eagle County open Cottonwood Pass to thru traffic. While it does appear on local maps, the gravel road is not maintained for winter travel.

According to Brad Higgins, Eagle County’s Director of Road and Bridge, Cottonwood Pass, which connects Gypsum to Cattle Creek south of Glenwood Springs, closes every winter from the end of November until mid-April. “Cottonwood Pass has never been maintained in the winter, nor is it designed to handle a high volume of vehicles, so to simply open it to traffic is not an option,” said Higgins.

Go to the Vail Daily to see the entire item.

The Greeley Tribune carries an obituary on John L. Haley, noted author, civil engineer, successful businessman, twice-veteran, devoted husband and father, who passed away Dec. 22, at Fairacres Manor in Greeley.

Haley worked as an engineering consultant on the highly acclaimed Interstate 70 Glenwood Canyon Project, the final link in the country’s interstate highway system. Haley wrote a book, “Wooing a Harsh Mistress: Glenwood Canyon’s High-way Odyssey,” a story about the vision and devotion of the inspired designers, builders and engineers who made the epic project such a unique highway transportation marvel.

Go to the Greeley Tribune to see the entire obituary.