Free RTD Bus Travel Offered After US 36 Closure

BOULDER, CO — As repair work continues on the eastbound lanes of U.S. 36 near Church Ranch Road, the Colorado Department of Transportation is offering free travel on RTD's Flatiron Flyer and LD bus routes, officials announced.

The free rides will be offered in both directions on Monday and Tuesday.

Wet soil under the highway caused a slope failure Friday and the highway split open, officials said. By Monday, the crack grew to more than 300 feet long and 60 feet wide.

Two eastbound lanes will open on the westbound side of the highway near Church Ranch Road in time for Wednesday morning's commute, CDOT officials said Monday. The two lanes will be separated by concrete barriers.

"[The] closure will remain in place until further notice with no estimated time for reopening," CDOT said in a travel alert. "Heavy traffic and long delays will exist during peak daytime travel periods."

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Other alternative routes include the Northwest Parkway toll road to Interstate 25, and Colorado 93 to 58 and I-70.

Updates can be found on the state's web portal, and bus schedules can be found on RTD Denver's website.