Work Progressing Well on Embankment Repairs Near I-70 Bridges

MESA COUNTY – Work is progressing well and on schedule for the Colorado Department of Transportation’s emergency bank repair project along the Colorado River west of Fruita. The bank repairs, which were necessary due to heavy spring flooding, began in late August and work zones are located near two I-70 bridges at mile points 16.5 and 18.5.

At the two sites, sections of embankment had eroded close to I-70 and needed repairs before further damage could jeopardize the highway lanes. The repairs consist of laying embankment material (dirt, small rock) at each of the two sites, laying a fabric bedding material over that, then placing large ‘rip-rap’ material (rocks that average two feet in diameter) on top. Some pipe work has had to be done as well.

The emergency work was awarded to M.A. Concrete Construction, Inc., for $1.34 million, paid for with Transportation Commission Contingency (TCC) funds.

“This project is a very good example of why the Commission has this contingency fund,” said (local) State Transportation Commissioner Doug Aden. “There was a critical need for these repairs, which are preventing further embankment erosion, as well as any potential damage to the interstate.”

TRAVEL IMPACTS: The bank work is set for completion by November 30—it coincides with the separate I-70 Skippers Island structure repairs currently underway in the area (eight bridge decks are being rehabilitated), therefore the two projects share the same work zone and travel impacts. Between mile markers 16 and 19, a single lane of I-70 in each direction will remain closed, 24/7. The speed limit is reduced to 40 mph and there is a 12-foot width restriction in place. Traffic violation fines will be doubled through the work zone limits.

GET WIRELESS NOTIFICATIONS ON PROJECTS AND ROAD CONDITIONS: If you would like to receive e-mail and/or wireless notifications for this (and other) CDOT projects, please go to CDOT’s web site at www.coloradodot.info and select the green phone icon in the upper right corner. (Also, for information on the I-70 bridge rehabilitation project at ‘Skippers Island’ west of Fruita, visit the project Web site at http://www.coloradodot.info/projects/I-70Skippersisland or call 303-434-8188.)  Thank you for going Slow for the Cone Zone!