Summer in the mountains brings fresh air, blooming flowers and on I-70 – an active construction season. Several projects in close proximity will be underway this summer making travel a challenge, but rest assured that the various I-70 construction teams are in close communication to help keep the traveling public informed. Using the right tools to plan ahead can make I-70 mountain corridor travel easier to navigate. Please visit www.cotrip.org for real-time impacts on CDOT projects across the state or utilize GoI70.com/travel to learn about weekend travel on I-70.
Here is an overview of each project and how you can get more information:
I-70 West Vail Pass Auxiliary Lanes
What: The project will reconstruct aging bridges, straighten out tight curves, widen shoulders to accommodate emergency service access and add an auxiliary lane in both directions between the East Vail exit to the Vail Pass Summit. An auxiliary lane runs between on- and off-ramps allowing drivers more room to safely enter or exit I-70 while reducing ramp congestion. Work on the remaining project elements resumed in April 2022 with equipment mobilization. Major construction is anticipated to be completed in 2025.
Where: Mile Point (MP) 179.5 at the East Vail exit to slightly east of MP 191.5 near the Vail Pass Rest Area
When: April 2022 – 2025
Impacts:
- Starting in June, expect 30-minute full closures for blasting (10-20 Blasting cycles which will occur between 6 and 9 p.m.).
- Single lane closures of I-70 at non-peak travel times.
Learn more: Call the project hotline 970-688-8233, email the project team at CDOT_WVailPassAuxLanes@state.co.us, or visit the project website.
Vail Recreation Trail (as part of the I-70 West Vail Auxiliary Lanes Project)
What: The project will relocate a two-mile section of the Vail Recreation Trail and build two bridges to cross this trail over Black Gore Creek. This section of the trail needs to be moved farther from I-70 to allow for the widening of eastbound I-70 for the auxiliary lane and realigning curves.
Where: Trail will detour along the shoulder of I-70 from approximately MP 185.5 to 187.5
When: May 16 – July 2022
Impacts:
- Recreation path will remain open and accessible during construction. An 8-foot-wide paved detour pathway along I-70 shoulder.
- Barriers will separate path users from interstate traffic and construction activities on either side. Barrier is pinned to the ground in the event of collision.
- Construction flaggers positioned to safely manage construction access points.
- Occasional path traffic holds are possible for nearby rock-blasting operations.
Learn more: Download a fact sheet
I-70 Auxiliary Lanes Summit County
What: Work along eastbound I-70 includes widening, repaving and striping, as well as widening the bridges over US 6 and the Blue River. A longer deceleration lane and improved signage will enhance the safety at the exit 205 off-ramp. Deer fencing also will be installed in both the eastbound and westbound directions of I-70 between MP 203 to 205. The scenic overlook east of exit 203 in Frisco will build additional truck parking
Where: I-70 MP 202 to MP 207, Frisco to Silverthorne
When: March 2022 – September 2023
Impacts:
- Daytime work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (minimal impacts after noon on Fridays).
- Night work hours will vary based on location, starting as early as 8 p.m and lasting no later than 6 a.m. to accommodate morning rush hour. At times, nighttime work may be necessary on Saturdays with minimal impacts. Crews will be off the road by 6 a.m. following any night work.
- Width restrictions on I-70 will be reduced to 11 feet. On US 6, the width restriction is 10 feet.
- Pedestrian facilities will detour around active work areas but will remain open.
Learn more: Call the project hotline 970-880-0472, email the project team at PublicInfoCO@gmail.com or visit the project website.
I-70 Resurfacing between Silverthorne and Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels
What: The project will resurface eastbound and westbound I-70 with an asphalt overlay, install new guardrail, repair the end transition and bridge rails, and install a culvert.
Where: 5 miles of eastbound and westbound I-70, approximately MP 206 to approximately MP 212
When: May 2 – October 2022
Impacts:
- Motorists should plan for eastbound and westbound I-70 single lane closures and reduced speeds in the construction zone.
- Night work: Monday through Thursday 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Day work: Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Learn more: Call the project hotline 970-236-6348, email the project team at resurfacingproject@gmail.com, or visit the project website.
I-70 Structure Replacement West of Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnels
What: Work has resumed to replace a failing emergency access structure underneath I-70 west of the Eisenhower, Johnson Memorial Tunnel. Used by law enforcement, CDOT maintenance, tow companies and other emergency services on the busy section of I-70 west of the tunnel to Silverthorne, the “Box” project will undergo its second and final construction season to complete the new bridge structures.
Where: West of Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnels at MP 211
When: April – September 2022
Impacts:
- Westbound I-70: In mid-May, crews will resume the long-term far-right lane closure on westbound I-70 from the tunnel’s western end through the project site. This lane will be closed to the public but will serve as an emergency pull-off for emergency services. This lane closure will remain in place through project completion.
- Eastbound I-70: Three uphill eastbound lanes will be maintained throughout the duration of the project. Various lane closures are possible.
- Motorists can expect delays during construction.
- Lane closures down to one lane will be limited and occur only at night.
- Runaway truck ramps on westbound I-70 at MP 212 and MP 209 will remain open during construction.
- Drivers should stay observant of variable lane widths and travel conditions during construction.
Learn more: Call the project hotline 970-446-1001, email the project team at i70westofejmt@gmail.com or visit the project website.
Idaho Springs Clear Creek Greenway Path
What: Crews will construct a trail system that includes two project segments near I-70 between Idaho Springs and Dumont at MP 235 and MP 242. The project work includes a separated shared use path/greenway trail from east Idaho Springs to I-70 over Clear Creek west of the Veterans Memorial Tunnel and a trailhead at Dumont. The new 10-foot-wide concrete pathway will include the construction of two pedestrian bridges (both bridges will be just east of Riverside Drive), a retaining wall, and improvements around the trail area. Construction improvements will also include a paved parking area in Dumont at Stanley Road and CR 312, information center, picnic tables, a public restroom and additional landscape improvements.
Where: Near I-70 between Idaho Springs and Dumont at MP 235 and MP 242
When: March – September 2022
Impacts: Crews will be working Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Traffic control and flagging operations will be in effect to mobilize heavy machinery through Riverside Drive.
Learn more: Call the project hotline 720-664-4671, email the project team at idahospringspathproject@gmail.com or visit the project website.