Emergency Response in North America's Highest Mountain Tunnel (11,200ft)

I rode along with Colorado Department of Transportation's emergency crews at the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnels along Interstate 70. At 11,200 feet elevation, these tunnels are the highest point on the U.S. Interstate system and the highest mountain tunnels in North America.
Located about 60 miles west of Denver, the facility lies entirely within the Arapaho National Forest and is divided by two counties: Clear Creek County at the East Portal and Summit County at the West Portal. The tunnel and the Continental Divide also separate two watersheds: Water on the west side flows toward the Pacific Ocean and water on the east side flows toward the Atlantic Ocean. Annual snowfall in the area averages 315 inches (26 feet) from November through April.

[@AHomelessDorito]

Love these specialized departments. So cool how they find ways to adapt for their environment and mission!

[@BEARDELIVERS]

I've run that route hundreds of times over the years as a trucker and people often ignore the closed lane indicators nearly causing accidents. I have spent more then a few nights up there in the lot and its so beautiful and quiet. Also see many trucks ignore the 34/45mph truck speed limit; depending on which side you come out, coming out of the tunnel and come out at 55+ only to smoke their brakes on the way down!

[@MudlangenTango]

Thank you CDOT! You are the unsung heroes of the highway. As a trucker based in Colorado who uses I-70 weekly all year i appreciate your hard work Winter storms are a nightmare and the heavy ski traffic plus unprepared truckers turn a two hour trip across into 4 or 6 hour struggle, and CDOT plus CSP out there many times on the ground in blizzard like conditions helping people and trying like heck to keep the highway open and people safe. Love the video, i always worry about vehicle fires in the tunnel, by the time they reach the top overheated engines sometimes just quit or catch fire.

[@tbuff91]

Need a little more work out in eastern Colorado though.. The roads are awful.

[@MudlangenTango]

@@tbuff91 I just drove in on 70 from Kansas, you know you hit Colorado from the broken concrete. The entire roadbed needs to be replaced

[@sebrofc]

Agreed these guys are really unappreciated and keep the roads open and clear during inclimate weather allowing millions in commerce to flow, emergency response, continuity of business, unnecessary Starbuck trips in blizzard conditions and so much more. It's perplexing how low starting pay is for highway workers especially in a state where cost of living is so high yet these men and women show up day, night, weekend, holiday to keep roads going. Yet folks are quick complain about roadwork or being stuck behind a plow or so quick to point out a bad stretch of road as if line level employees have any say in decisions as to which roads get funds allocated.

[@MudlangenTango]

@@sebrofc sometimes they post that they are hiring and the hourly wage is nowhere near enough. Then there are the seasonal jobs. They get the job done though.

[@dunsmuir238]

Nice work Eric. Thank you for covering such and unique firefighting operation.

[@ktar7189]

Thank you Eric I miss you Kim Connor and Lauren keep up the good work eric your friend kyle

[@markperkin1660]

Eric, thanks for this cool new channel. I love see all the different departments and unique apperatus. If you ever make it to Michigan let us know.

[@HighwayLand]

Thanks for posting this! I went through that tunnel just a few months ago. I know I am asking something that will probably never happen but it would be awesome if you could check out the fire crews for Warner Bros, Disneyland and/or Skywalker Ranch (I am sure they would get tons of views).

[@expatchris]

I guess I’ve lived in South America too long and am used to natural selection in regards to stupidity 🙃

[@WorkingFirePIO]

Thanks for your suggestions, those places would be awesome to see!

[@EricWhiteTheGamer]

All those would be great, unfortunately though Disney might be hard to do, I visited the land of magic and wanted to stop at one but thankfully did research and it is hard to get a tour, they used to but for "safety" they discontinued it.

[@jed-henrywitkowski6470]

I do not remember a fire depart, however, I remember coming through here with my dad when I was younger. He was driving a tractor-trailer, flatbed specifically, and had to pull over so his load height could be checked.

[@cmcer1995]

I never knew just what all went into this tunnel and I have lived here most of my 70 years. The State of Colorado really has hit the nail on the head with this emergency response equipment and procedures they have developed. So many safety measures in these tunnels. I am truly impressed with what these employees have to do to keep people safe.

[@patspencer5649]

Super interesting view of what most people would never think about.

[@user-sz5mr7jg1q]

Great stuff Eric! Nice job of showing a part of emergency services that most people do not know exist. While fascinating to us in emergency services, a truly important operation for those traveling through those tunnels. Again, great job! Can't wait to see the story on Hanging Lake Tunnels!

[@WorkingFirePIO]

Thanks for watching!

[@thomasfreeman7770]

The tunnel tow truck in use there is similar to those being used by the port authority of New York and New Jersey with its push or pull towing capability and firefighting capabilities.but the New York units are about one third shorter. Also on the larger engine the pump is not powered by a conventional PTO like what may be found on something like a dump truck. When the driver engages the pump there’s actually a transfer case under the pump that can either use the truck’s actual driveshaft to either turn the pump or turn the rest of the driveshaft to the truck’s rear axle for movement of the vehicle. The switch on the truck’s dashboard makes this selection.

[@boggy7665]

2004 epic road trip, westbound. Saw traffic ahead with brake lights, I carefully switched lanes. Ford Taurus or something stopped in the right lane, old guy was out & raising the hood. Could've been very, very bad, and I hope it didn't go bad after we passed. Props to these staff!

[@stevenpivornik9982]

Colorado looks like they run under a similar operation like Port Authority of New York as well. They too have to face situations in the tunnels all the time

[@mbail64]

Great job. It is cool how he kept it basic. Each of those guys from portal attendant on are trained to save lives and property. I loved the roof turitt. Kind of a baby airport rig

[@itsnotme07]

Very cool video Eric! Thanks to everyone who works as a First Responder there keeping us all safe! Bicyclist...what was that guy thinking? LOL Guess he was feeling the altitude after that 2 mile run through the tunnel.

[@WorkingFirePIO]

Thanks for watching! I can’t imagine riding a bike up I-70 from Silverthorne and then wanting to breathe in all that vehicle exhaust for 2 miles. Hard no for me!

[@peter_smyth]

The tunnel saves a much harder ride on the detour route, but I'd still prefer the more scenic and less polluted detour.

[@CalebConnor1]

This was truly an awesome video Eric. Im so glad someone was able to feature these rigs. I feel like these are some of the rarest rigs to be photographed in the state. Cant wait to see the Hanging Lake Tunnel rigs next. Keep this up!

[@markbickelhaupt4414]

Eric, Great video! I was through the tunnel in 1991. Didn't have time to stop and see the equipment. For a tunnel, the special tow/fire trucks are truly the best. Most that I have seen were Mack's. But GMC, I guess, does the job! The Colorado DOT orange color set them apart from a regular red fire truck! Will be watching for the next Colo. DOT video. Thanks so much for work👍👍👍!

[@WorkingFirePIO]

Thanks for watching! It was definitely an educational and enjoyable experience for me!

[@kenlew4945]

The open cab reminds me of the famous and the most beloved "E51"

[@canyontiger4022]

I feel that CDOT has definitely learned a lot of lessons from the Mount Blanc tragedy. This little fleet and the men/women who work up there are ready for anything.

[@EnjoyFirefighting]

surprised that such a rather short tunnel with low traffic volume needs a FD. But I don't know how far away the next fire station in a village or town is

[@weatherupstairs4814]

I was surprised they didn't mention the Mount Blanc fire and their protocol.

[@noahjones8213]

@@EnjoyFirefightingnearest towns are 10-15 miles in either direction I’d say

[@JaidenJimenez86]

@@EnjoyFirefighting I think of it this way - there's 35,000 vehicles a day in that tunnel. Would you have a fire dept for a town of 35,000 people?

[@EnjoyFirefighting]

@@noahjones8213 thank you, Eric Hurst let me know already. Under that circumstance I can see them having their own department.

[@grigorirasputin996]

I drive a flatbed tow truck all over the I-70 mountain corridor. I pick up break downs near the tunnel all the time. The customers almost always say at least I didn't break down in the tunnel. Then I get to tell them all about how amazing the emergency response is.

[@philsmidwestclassiccars150]

Been through the Eisenhower several time in a tractor trailer. Awesome video.

[@davehitt]

Very cool! NYC/NJ tunnels and bridges have trucks like that that can tow and fight fire

[@terrybernhardt7424]

I stopped there around the late 80’s early 90’s. The department I was on used Pierce. When I stopped the worker/s were just great to me. Spent time explaining everything to me. I was totally impressed. I was thinking the Pierce was around 86-88 or maybe 92. Just don’t remember the exact year. And I thought they said back then they could clear the tunnel in a couple of minutes from a car fire.

[@Pamudder]

I remember going through the Eisenhower tunnel back in about 1986. At the scenic point for Loveland Pass I had to change the film in my Nikonos 35 mm underwater camera that I had used on a whitewater rafting trip. Later at sea level had quite a time getting the camera open due to the greater ambient air pressure.

[@Screamblade_]

Awesome as always. Thank you for such a specialized group/role

[@joshw1687]

The photo request was funny. A PIO would say that 😂😂😂. Thats a cool fleet though

[@sierra0039]

Great video Eric! I had no idea CDOT has this sort of capability!

[@TristenLangVideos]

This is awesome! Thanks for sharing, Eric!

[@bethintexas9678]

This is great! I love seeing how the specialized infrastructure in the nation has adapted specialized response for it. As a motorist, this makes me feel a lot safer when traveling, knowing that these fine people are on the job keeping watch.

[@indianawxbuff3186]

This was so cool! Thanks for showing it Eric!

[@buzman1985]

LOLz. Don’t let them man near a pump panel.

[@northtexasfireresponses]

Another great video! I am loving the content you are providing for us! 🎉

[@brandonj4739]

I thought this was an old video because it seems like we just got one, thanks for another great video!!

[@pollarddisposal]

Very interesting video sir, I agree these specialty departments make for great content

[@firepilot109]

They need a drive through bay so don't have to back up, it's only 1.6 miles long...lol. Good video. You need do some more ride alongs in Wichita!

[@eastvalleyfirebuff]

Great vid Eric!!!

[@steveneichelberger6193]

Eric, let them know the Nitrogen Cylinder for there Dry Chemical suppression system on the Tow/Fire apparatus is empty.

[@2AToday]

So interesting! Love this video. Your channel is absolutely outstanding, keep it up!

[@jordonmunson8212]

Not oxygen tanks. those are air tanks SCBA.

[@CO.Boynton]

Am a retired Corpsman with US Navy and at fire Academy. I find this so cool

[@WorkingFirePIO]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rickj1983]

Why didn't someone stop the bicyclist and take their bike out of the tunnel? His actions caused more headache and safety concerns than should be allowed. You guys are the silent heroes of the tunnel. Keep up the good work!

[@nanettebarling1222]

My ex was a heavy equipment operator that worked on that tunnel. Cool to see it.

[@LakesRegionEmergencyPhoto]

These videos of unique and different trucks you have been posting are super awesome and interesting. Keep em coming!

[@WorkingFirePIO]

Thanks!

[@edsmetaldetecting31]

Loved the CDOT fire trucks!! Awesome video!!

[@dogbugler]

Spectacular video and content. Just found your Your Tube channel...simply awesome. Stay Safe, Bee Free...Shalom

[@WorkingFirePIO]

Thank you so much!

[@trob0914]

Nice video Eric, and a great shoutout to all Colorado DOT personnel!!

[@johnuhlig323]

Great Job Eric and Great Video. John

[@RosinDaddy5280]

Peace be upon my fellow Coloradowan

[@davecribbie8462]

It's scary that this guy is considered a "firefighter", he seems like a tow truck driver that they blessed into a firefighting role

[@joshears1113]

Very nice but him calling SCBA Cylinders oxygen was sooooo irritating 😂

[@HWill-iq9sl]

Wow that is so great (good job, sir)for this video.

[@spn3925]

Ive had to take the up and over route once when I had a hazmat load. Deffently a thrill with 75 feet of truck

[@MudlangenTango]

They just had a vehicle fire in the tunnel the other day, I was heading east bound when the reader board at silverthorne said the tunnel was closed due to a vehicle fire. I was able to take US 6 Loveland pass before getting stuck on the highway. Hope everyone got out ok.

[@SBU2012]

Am I the only one having a conniption every time he calls an SCBA bottle an "Oxygen tank"

[@The5thChapter]

No you’re not. I’m not trying to bash these guys at all. But are they just CDOT that have been given access to fire apparatus and no training? Or are they actually fire / emt certified? I’m thrown by their terminology, behavior, and lack of uniform standards. And have the extra gear so that they can grab a random CDOT employee to help fight fire just spells liability…

[@BRVFD01]

Not to mention the guy with the full beard, not getting a good seal with that!

[@k9officerft434]

⁠@@BRVFD01at idea was sort of disapproved by the military, the seal is very mildly effected but nothing major

[@user-mo1tw7um1f]

True

[@jed-henrywitkowski6470]

As a son of a trucker who also drove for Uncle Sam, something that stout little Jimmy could use is rear and front "glad hands" for air. Let's say there's a bobtail that lost air pressure for whatever reason, say the air compressor took a dump halfway through the tunnel, the tractor can be supplied by that Jimmy, and safely moved out of the tunnel where a mobile mechanic can be met.

[@22LR.addict]

Great video Eric! Seems like they could stand to have their engine upgraded, maybe time for an Oshkosh Striker 4x4. Seems like an ARFF unit and a small rescue truck would be better suited for this role.

[@WorkingFirePIO]

Thank you! I'm told they have 2 new fire engines in production right now, one for Eisenhower-Johnson and the other for Hanging Lake. They'll be on commercial International Chassis though, not quite as cool as an ARFF unit would be!

[@22LR.addict]

@WorkingFirePIO Hopefully we can see a follow up when those get pushed in!

[@scottthecrazy]

so cool, thank you for sharing this video!.

[@andyo9196]

awesome vids. much love from yorkshire

[@RandysFiftySevenChevy]

This was cool Eric. I loved that little town up past the tunnel, all I remember is it had a giant water wheel.

[@mymx5az]

I was living in Denver while this tunnel was under construction.and when it first opened. During construction a huge drill used to make the tunnel broke down. They could not fix the drill nor could they remove it so buried it behind a wall inside the tunnel.

[@d-and-routdoors9055]

Hello Eric. This is Daniel from Canada that watches the South Metro's KZbin Channel. I didn't know that you had your own KZbin Channel. I had no idea that there was such a tunnel that existed! Some sweet trucks up there! Anyway, I thought I'd drop a comment on your episode here, because I came across it. Have a great evening! Daniel 😉

[@scottfeatherstone7156]

Great video thanks

[@cdmartin194]

That was an incredible video. Please keep them coming

[@WorkingFirePIO]

Thank you! Will do!

[@savannahbrandhorst4493]

I never knew any of this. Thank you for sharing

[@bshay1993]

Eric, you should come to Vail Fire. Just got a new engine. It's a pierce 4 wheel drive and looks awesome

[@WorkingFirePIO]

I've seen photos and it looks very tough!

[@NeilM01989]

Liked and shared your video mate 🧑🏻👍🏻🚒

[@redmesa2975]

Colorado hazmat driver here. CDOT recieved $25 million to install sprinklers in the tunnel. Hazmat still has to go over Loveland pass. It’s ironic, narrow winding road with long drop off. And it’s the hazmat route. Fire Shoshana Lew !!

[@garyfox33]

Great video Eric!

[@michaelvinson7717]

And this why drivers hate bicyclists.

[@EnjoyFirefighting]

I guess there are less bicyclists driving down the Interstate than cars parking on bike lanes ;)

[@firefighterfan2010]

Nice!

[@fazerainscat6483]

Cool operation!

[@jebj1]

10:49 Might want to let them know that their Ansul tank is empty and won't work

[@stevenkaskus6173]

Great video and information I never knew about and I've driven through the tunnel

[@thomasdaily4363]

Yeah. Check to make sure the bicyclist is safe. Then haul his ass to jail.

[@georgefannon5227]

The compartments are really messy and need to be redone they just throw everything in there and it looks really junky bunker gear is just thrown into compartment house bed is all jacked up these people just seem really lazy and apparently don’t have any pride

[@nickluther263]

Seriously you have to shutdown the tunnel because of a bicycle rider, and those idiots wonder why everyone hates them

[@dogbugler]

I concur

[@phwayne]

I-70 at the on ramp approach says no bikes. Probably blindly followed Google maps.

[@nickluther263]

@@phwayne and he will cry and swear because a car honked at him

[@EnjoyFirefighting]

that's actually quite normal tactic on highway tunnels ... even outside the US

[@nerdfallfeuerwehr3944]

Colorado is Nice thx the Great Video

[@willydmoore3921]

Great video. One question….how does the guy showing the engine wear an scba? That beard is legit but not good for obtaining a good seal. 🤔

[@jdog_rblx7449]

I was a little confused to

[@emory7467]

I'm a firefighter. This guy is NOT a firefighter. An scba is NOT a respirator. This guy must just be something they picked to do this video or something

[@Eltari1]

In Europe, a beard (even a bigger one) isn't a problem for firefighters while using scba. Maybe we have more sophisticated equipment? 😉 Welcome to the 21st century guys 😂

[@ShortArmStrongArm]

Why does he need an SCBA?

[@itrack4u]

Very cool. Thanks for filming.

[@jol5384]

If you want to visit a nice FireDept. u need to see the FireStation from the Gotthardtunnel in Switzerland. Their Fire Engines can spin on point 360 Degrees so if they need to gut out quickly.

[@emt0714]

Amazing it looks like MMBT in Virginia only thru a mountain and not under the Atlantic Ocean

[@tonyrowland9216]

this should be in every classroom of every truck company out there

[@mrcarlo1966]

Thanks that was great.

[@matthewgoldberg8670]

cool video!!

[@eaglerare1273]

Very cool vid thanks Eric

[@warrenksanbornjr.6643]

Awesome thank you

[@adamcoronado5447]

Awesome video

[@firemedic6509]

I am guessing he doesn't wear an SCBA mask with that beard.

[@JaidenJimenez86]

Motorists would not be so impatient if they were shown the devastation at the Mont Blanc tunnel. Great to see CDOT doesn't mess around.

[@MikeT-TheRetiredColonel]

Pretty cool and appreciate the time you folks put into this, however, point of clarification - not "oxygen tanks", should have said either breathable air or SCBA's

[@EricWhiteTheGamer]

I love your vehicle.

[@ericdaniel7069]

“Main control board”. This guy is obviously not a fireman

[@richardherndon451]

When I saw how old the trucks they use were, I couldn't believe it. We were on our way to Las Vegas.

[@WorkingFirePIO]

CDOT tells me they have 2 new fire engines in production now. The 1989 Pierce will be donated to a transportation museum in Denver.

[@richardherndon451]

@WorkingFirePIO sweet. Can't wait to see them. Those older engines with no back doors are cool but not very safe for the first responders inside. Especially with how people drive around emergency vehicles now.

[@thephantomeagle2]

I ride a bicycle and would NEVER EVER ride on an interstate tunnel. I've been through that tunnel and it can be spooky with trucks

[@matt39581]

cyclists in colorado can get kinda hardcore about "share the road" lol

[@phwayne]

That cyclist is a bit of a jerk for using the tunnel, and put himself and others at risk.The correct way to go is highway 6 over Loveland pass. I-70 has signs stating no bikes. The guy probably blindly followed Google maps, ended up at the tunnel, and did not want to descend after a rather long, grueling climb.

[@TrainFan1348]

Hey Eric I was wondering if you could do a video with the Barstow Fire Department in Barstow,California I think that'll be cool to watch

[@WorkingFirePIO]

Thanks for your suggestion!

[@joecody195]

Eric, great tour of the tunnel. It was nice that the tunnel management took the time to show us their equipment , by the way doe you know what year the pumper is. Thanks very interesting.

[@WorkingFirePIO]

Thanks! That is a 1989 Pierce Dash pumper, which will be retired in the next year.

[@WWXspartan058]

Hopefully we can see you and Nick do a collaboration with Miami fire or PD!

[@WorkingFirePIO]

That would be a lot of fun!

[@bigmountain7561]

Baker the Bicycle, a Trooper and a County Deputy should be stationed at each entrance period. This way there’s always Safety!!!

[@reutzelfred]

This was awesome