Project wrapping up on schedule despite major wildfire, extended road closure and pandemic
The Colorado Department of Transportation is excited to announce the reopening of traffic on the westbound deck of Interstate 70 in Glenwood Canyon. Crews working on the I-70 Glenwood Canyon Surface Improvements project will complete the important project milestone this week. Westbound traffic will return to the northern deck on Friday. While motorists should expect continued lane closures throughout the canyon, the head-to-head detour will end with the reopening of the traffic deck.
“Our local communities and statewide travelers know the vital role that I-70 in Glenwood Canyon plays in our state’s transportation network,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “For Colorado, this project helps to improve the longevity of this critical infrastructure and ensure the safe, multimodal movement of people and goods.”
OVERCOMING BUMPS IN THE ROAD
The I-70 Glenwood Canyon Surface Improvements project has faced and overcome several challenges over the course of the seven month project duration. Before project work, I-70 westbound road conditions between Hanging Lake and No Name were poor and deteriorating. The driving surface was rough and uneven and several elements were exhibiting wear and beginning to fail.
Construction crews began project work just before the national escalation of the COVID-19 health crisis, and quickly worked to implement safety precautions. Throughout construction, general contractor American Civil Constructors worked to efficiently complete high quality repairs and improvements.
Last month, the project faced yet another challenge when the Grizzly Creek Fire erupted in Glenwood Canyon, causing an unprecedented two week closure of I-70.
“Despite all the challenges this project has faced, the engineering and contracting team have been able to deliver impressive progress,” said CDOT Region 3 Transportation Director Michael Goolsby. “This is a great example of partnership and leadership at its finest.”
TRAFFIC PATTERN CHANGES
Beginning Friday, westbound motorists on I-70 will resume travel on the westbound traffic deck through Glenwood Canyon. East and westbound motorists should anticipate continued lane closures between Bair Ranch (Mile Point 129) and No Name Tunnel (MP 117.6).
“The project team is thrilled to unveil this newly paved section of I-70 between the Hanging Lake and No Name tunnels,” said CDOT Region 3 Engineer Andrew Knapp. “We are very grateful for everyone’s patience so far and look forward to completing final steps for these important infrastructure improvements in October.”
Remaining work includes barrier installation and a bridge joint replacement. To date, crews have repaired or replaced five bridge expansion joints (a total of six will be completed), replaced a bearing device at the westbound bridge next to Hanging Lake, completed repairs to the westbound bridge deck, placed 95,000 square yards of polyester concrete (approximately 5 miles of roadway length) and upgraded 28 pedestrian ramps to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act standards throughout the canyon rest areas.
TRAVEL REMINDERS
All rest areas, river put-ins and the bike path in Glenwood Canyon remain closed following damage from the Grizzly Creek Fire. These closures allow CDOT, law enforcement and emergency services to quickly evacuate I-70 and Glenwood Canyon, and to protect travelers and recreationists from possible mudslides, debris flow, rockfall and other hazards.
Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road by visiting COtrip.org. To hear current travel times, motorists can call the project hotline at 970-618-5379.
Routes and schedules are subject to change. Motorists and trail users are encouraged to sign up for traffic and trail impact updates by contacting public information via email, GlenwoodCanyon2020@gmail.com, or phone, 970-618-5379.
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