I-70B Reconstruction Progressing on Schedule

April 25, 2012 - PROJECT UPDATE - Northwestern Colorado/CDOT Region 3 - Major Traffic Switch to Frontage Roads Tomorrow Night

GRAND JUNCTION – On April 9, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Interstate Highway Construction, Inc. (IHC)  started the I-70B concrete reconstruction project to improve the highway (also referred to as US 6 & 50) between 24 ¾ Road through the 25 Road intersection. The safety-improvement project involves concrete reconstruction, widening from four to six lanes for added turn lanes, a new storm sewer system; an updated signal system; utility relocation, curb, gutter, sidewalk and landscaping.  This project is paid for in part by Colorado FASTER.*

NEW!!  PROJECT UDPATES & IMPACTS: The temporary traffic signal became active on Sunday, April 22, on 25 Road and Riverside, and the existing traffic signal pole in front of Coldwell Banker was removed. Detour construction is underway on the north and south sides of I-70B and periodic lane closures are required on 25 Road and Riverside. Expect shoulder closures at various locations and some turn-lane impacts. On Thursday night (April 26), from about 6 p.m. to 5 a.m., motorists will experience delays on the frontage roads and (by 8 p.m.) on I-70B, as traffic is shifted onto the existing frontage roads north and south of I-70B. After the shift, two westbound lanes will utilize the north-side frontage road and two eastbound lanes will be on the south side. While in this configuration, left turns will be restricted, with the exception of the 25 Road and 24 ¾ Road intersections. This traffic configuration will be in effect for the next several weeks and will expedite removal of pavement and concrete resurfacing on I-70 B travel lanes and median area.

The project was contracted to Interstate Highway Construction, Inc. (IHC) of Englewood for $4.3 million, $3.1 million of which was funded through FASTER.*

PROJECT SCHEDULE & PHASING: The project, which is expected to be completed in late October 2012, is being phased to provide two lanes of traffic in both directions continuously through the construction zone. During the first phase crews will remove and replace the middle mainline I-70B lanes, placing both directions of traffic on the frontage roads. During second phase, traffic will be shifted back onto the new driving surface on mainline I-70B, while portions of the outside lanes and frontage roads are replaced. The 25 Road intersection will require multiple phases to reconstruct, in order to minimize impacts to traffic.

Here is what motorists can expect throughout the project:

  • Two lanes of traffic in each direction on I-70 B will be maintained continuously;
  • Short traffic stops (though kept to a minimum);
  • Impacts to turning movements at 25 Road during intersection work;
  • Width restrictions of 11 feet;
  • Reduced speed limit from 45 mph to 35 mph;
  • Some altered—but not closed—accesses;
  • Restricted left turns (left turns can be made at signalized intersections only);
  • Restricted frontage road and “cut-through” turnoffs.

CDOT and IHC greatly appreciate your patience and cooperation while going through the work zone. Thank you for going Slow for the Cone Zone. Note that access to all businesses will remain open, but may be temporarily altered at times.

Those with questions or concerns about the project, or who want to receive updates on the project may contact Matt Randall, Project Public Information Manager, at (970) 773-4537 or e-mail I70Binfo@ihcquality.com.

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 e-mail, visit www.coloradodot.info and click on the 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.

*Monies collected under the FASTER (Funding Advancements for Surface Treatment and Economic Recovery) 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. FASTER was established by the Colorado General assembly via Senate Bill 09-108 (www.coloradodot.info/projects/faster) to fund the repair of Colorado’s structurally deficient bridges and make safety improvements to Colorado’s key corridors.