Located approximately 11,158 above sea level the Eisenhower and Johnson Tunnels are the highest point along the U.S Interstate Highway System.

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The Eisenhower Tunnel: A Gateway Through the Rockies

The Eisenhower Tunnel, officially named the Eisenhower-Edwin C. Johnson Memorial Tunnel, is indeed a significant transportation route in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. For instance, it is located approximately 60 miles west of Denver and is one of the highest vehicular tunnels in the world, with an elevation of 11,158 feet above sea level. Nevertheless, it is not the highest in the world, as higher tunnels have been constructed elsewhere, such as the Fenghuoshan Tunnel in China.

Connecting Denver to Summit County and Beyond

The tunnel, part of the Interstate 70 highway, connects Denver to Summit County and beyond. To understand its significance, the idea for a tunnel under Loveland Pass emerged in the 1950s. Subsequently, construction started in 1968. The tunnel, initially named the Straight Creek Tunnel during construction, was renamed to honor President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Edwin C. Johnson, a former governor and U.S. Senator from Colorado. As a result, the westbound bore, named after Eisenhower, opened in 1973, and the eastbound bore, named after Johnson, was completed in 1979.

Engineering a Feat at High Elevation

Built through solid granite using the “drill-and-blast” method, the tunnel is 1.7 miles long and features two lanes in each direction. In addition, it includes a ventilation system for air quality. However, the tunnel’s construction faced numerous challenges, such as the high elevation and unexpected fault lines, which significantly delayed the project and increased costs. Ultimately, the Eisenhower Tunnel serves as a crucial link for both recreational and commercial transportation in the region.

Losing Brakes at Eisenhower Tunnel!!

Traveling westbound from the Eisenhower Tunnel, you will find some seriously steep grades. For example, there is a stretch of 7 miles straight downhill at a 7% grade. As you drive, be prepared to encounter stop-and-go traffic and trucks moving extremely slowly in the right lane. Additionally, you may notice the smell of burning brakes from a couple of miles away. Therefore, it’s important to watch out for trucks and other vehicles that may lose their brakes on this challenging descent.