Project Update: I-70 Westbound Glenwood Canyon Concrete Reconstruction

March 29, 2012 - Northwestern Colorado/CDOT Region 3 - Weather permitting, CDOT contractor IHC will be moving up the closure date of the Hanging Lake Rest Area to rebuild the westbound on-ramp approach and I-70 right lane and shoulder.

Rest area closure to motorized vehicles is anticipated for the 10 day period of Tuesday April 3 through Thursday April 12. 

Traffic will be switched to a two-way, head to head alignment using the eastbound lanes through the work zone on April 3, as well, until the project is complete in mid-May; however, both Hanging Lake ramps will be open after the 10-day ramp closure (see further location details, below).

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):

WORK ZONE HIGHWAY IMPACTS: NO NAME TUNNEL TO HANGING LAKE TUNNEL (MP 118 TO MP 125)

April 3 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.)  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 (EXIT 125)

April 3 through approximately April 12

Hanging Lake Rest Area will be closed to vehicles from April 3 through April 12 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.

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.