CDOT Replaces WWII-Era Avalanche Cannons with Remote Control Systems Along I-70 Corridor
Key Takeaways
- CDOT replaced WWII-era avalanche cannons with remote avalanche control systems to modernize I-70 safety operations.
- The new Wyssen systems allow crews to detonate explosives remotely 24/7, improving efficiency.
- Remote operation reduces safety risks for highway maintenance teams working in avalanche zones.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is upgrading its avalanche mitigation equipment, replacing decades-old World War II Howitzer cannons with remote-controlled technology that improves efficiency and safety along Interstate 70 in Colorado’s high country, according to a CDOT press release.
Remote Avalanche Systems Enhance Safety and Efficiency
A Remote Avalanche Control System has been installed on the east side of the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels, along the I-70 Mountain Corridor to manage snowpack buildup, CDOT shared.
The Wyssen Avalanche Control systems can be triggered remotely at any time of day, a major improvement over the daylight-only artillery operations previously used, according to the news release.
The three new remote avalanche systems, located on Bethel Mountain, each hold 12 precision explosive charges that can be detonated remotely once CDOT’s Winter Operations Team determines avalanche risk levels, according to CBS News Colorado. Helicopters deliver the charges before snow season, ensuring quick response when snowpack conditions become unstable.
Reducing Risks and Improving Traffic Flow
According to Brian Gorsage, CDOT’s Avalanche Program Manager, told CBS News Colorado, that one push of a button clears seven miles of interstate.
The ability to operate remotely reduces danger for winter maintenance crews and allows CDOT to conduct avalanche mitigation before morning ski traffic begins, minimizing road closures and traffic delays, CDOT’s release stated.
The new systems remove large sections of snowpack with fewer shots than the old artillery cannons. CDOT currently operates five units in southern Colorado, all showing strong results in safety and operational performance.
The two towers replace eight artillery targets, Gorsage told CBS News Colorado, adding that the third tower is a bonus. There are 49 remote avalanche control systems installed across the state.
Sources: CDOT, CBS News Colorado