I-70 Clifton Interchange – Ramp Closure This Weekend

October 13, 2010 - FASTER PROJECT UPDATE - Northwestern Colorado/CDOT Region 3 - MESA COUNTY – The Colorado Department of Transportation’s project to improve safety and mobility on the I-70 interchange at Clifton is progressing well. This Friday and Saturday, crews will implement a closure to complete paving at the westbound off-ramp, Exit 37.

This Friday, October 15, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and on Saturday, from 7 AM to 7 PM, the westbound off-ramp at Clifton will be fully closed. Westbound motorists wanting to get to Clifton can choose to either exit east of Clifton at Palisade (and take US 6) or go further west to Horizon Drive (at Exit 31) and come back to Clifton eastbound.

This project, contracted to United Companies of Grand Junction, received $1.94 million in funding from *FASTER (Funding Advancements for Surface Transportation and Economic Recovery), a bill passed in the 2009 General Assembly, Senate Bill 09-108. The legislation was developed to address Colorado’s structurally deficient, poor bridges and safety projects throughout the state and is protected from redirection into other state programs during a budget crunch. FASTER is funded through a rental car fee and a nominal increase in vehicle registration.

The project involves a realignment of the westbound off-ramp, extending the deceleration lane to allow drivers more time to slow down and navigate the 45 mph ramp. The work will also widen and lengthen the eastbound I-70 on- and off-ramps to increase both the acceleration and deceleration lanes for motorists.

REGULAR TRAFFIC IMPACTS: Through the project’s completion by November 4, there will be periodic, single-lane closures on I-70 in both directions, Monday through Friday, from 7 AM to 7 PM. Some Saturday work is possible CDOT and United Company crews greatly appreciate motorists going “Slow for the Cone Zone!”

*Monies collected under the FASTER Safety Fund are to be used for construction, reconstruction, or maintenance projects that the Transportation Commission, a county or municipality determine are needed to enhance the safety of a state highway, county road, or city street. www.coloradodot.info/projects/faster.)

For information about other CDOT projects, the public may log on to CDOT’s traveler information web site at www.cotrip.org or call 511 from anywhere in the state.