I-70 Westbound Glenwood Canyon Concrete Reconstruction Begins Today
The area of the canyon where the work will take place stretches from the No Name Rest Area (Exit 119) to Hanging Lake Rest Area (Exit 125). This project is the third in a series of phased projects that will replace the current asphalt pavement through the canyon with more durable, longer-lasting concrete pavement. The work is expected to last until the middle of May (with good weather). The project was contracted to Interstate Highway Construction of Englewood Colorado for $3 million.
TRAFFIC IMPACTS: This project will affect both west- and eastbound users of I-70 and access to recreational uses on the river as follows (all dates are weather dependent):
HANGING LAKE REST AREA (EXIT 125)
March 26 through approximately April 9
On westbound I-70, there will be a 24 hr./day left-lane closure between MP 124 – 126 (east and west of Hanging Lake Rest Area). The rest area will remain open for this duration. The speed limit through the closure area will be reduced to 35 mph and there is a width restriction of 12 feet. Crews will be removing the existing asphalt, grading and smoothing the highway’s base material, and constructing the new 11-inch concrete pavement surface.
Hanging Lake Rest Area will be closed to vehicles from April 9 through April 14 to allow reconstruction of the westbound on-ramp. However, bicycle access to the rest area will still be available via the Glenwood Canyon bike path.
NO NAME TUNNEL TO HANGING LAKE TUNNEL (MP 118 TO MP 125)
April 9 to May 14
24-hours a day, traffic will be shifted onto the eastbound lanes for a single lane of traffic in each direction, head to head. The speed limit through the project area will be reduced to 35 mph at the crossovers to and from the temporary alignment, and 40 mph between the crossovers. There is a width restriction of 12 feet. (This single-lane traffic configuration will remain in place 24/7 to expedite the project’s completion in a safe and timely manner.)
SHOSHONE POWER PLANT (EXIT 123)
April 9 to May 14
The I-70 ramps at Shoshone will be open to the public, but westbound traffic will be required to exit further west at Grizzly Creek (Exit 121) and drive back east to reach Shoshone.
GRIZZLY CREEK REST AREA (EXIT 121)
April 9 to May 14
Access to and from eastbound I-70 at Grizzly Creek will be maintained. Westbound traffic from Grizzly Creek, however, will be required to travel east to Bair Ranch (Exit 129), in order to turn around and head back west.
NO NAME REST AREA (EXIT 119): The I-70 eastbound on- and off-ramps will remain open. The I-70 westbound on-ramp will remain open. The westbound off-ramp will be closed due to the detour. Motorists accessing No Name in this direction will need to continue to Glenwood Springs (Exit 116) first, turn around, and then come back eastbound.
GLENWOOD CANYON BIKE PATH: The path will remain open and unaffected.
PUBLIC INFORMATION - Those with questions or concerns about the project may call Eddie Davidsen, Public Information Manager for the project, at (970) 456-5763.
Updated information regarding traffic impacts on this or other CDOT projects is available at www.dot.state.co.us/TravelInfo/currentcond/ or by calling 511. To receive project updates via wireless device or e-mail, visit www.coloradodot.info and click on the green cell-phone icon in the upper right-hand corner. The link takes you to a list of items you can subscribe to, including Northwest Colorado.
