The Interstate 70 Mountain Way is in need of permanent repairs

Subject: “Eastbound Interstate 70 reopens in Glenwood Canyon following crash cleanup,” online news story dated Sept. 19

The eastbound lane of Interstate 70 in Glenwood Canyon reopened two days after it was closed. Again.

Again with a semi-trailer.

And this time in autumn without snow on the highway. At all. Unlike the frequent shutdowns on I-70 due to tractor-trailer accidents during the winter and winter snowfalls that occur again and again.

Western Slope traffic is being rerouted via Steamboat, adding hours to travel in recent days. CDOT was shut down due to a landslide and was unable to clear the tractor-trailer mess (incidentally, it fell from the westbound lane to the eastbound lane) and had to clear it before work could resume on the highway.

Meanwhile, politicians running for federal office send campaign literature to Western Slope residents promising action at the border (Wyoming? Kansas? New Mexico? Utah?) and lowering our gas prices (which are due to state taxes Colorado is already 50 cents higher than most states, not). federal).

It’s time for U.S. officials to start working on alternative interstate routes and improvements so Western Slope residents can reach Denver. And it’s time for CDOT to initiate semi-truck convoys led by a pilot vehicle 24 hours a day. First east, then west. Keep truck drivers safe and roads clear.

Leslie Wilson, Collbran

The Interstate Highway through Glenwood Springs is of national importance. Once again it was closed. The need for an alternative route around the gorge is obvious. Cottonwood Pass is the obvious answer. It will cost a lot of money, but it is in the national interest and should be federally funded. It should be built and we should start building now.

Robert M. Gordon Jr., Lakewood

It’s hard to avoid regret in the presidential election

Subject: “Election 2024: The ‘regret question’,” letter to the editor dated September 18th

Since I’m 82 years old, I doubt that in ten years I will “regret” not voting for either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump in November, and I don’t think either election victory will affect me (personally). ) will have an impact. more than the others. Voters younger than me have much more to gain or lose in the future, so it is more important for them to vote for the candidate of their choice.