I-70 West Parachute Interchange Project Update

May 7, 2012 - Northwestern Colorado/CDOT Region 3 - GARFIELD COUNTY – UPDATED INFORMATION: The Colorado Department of Transportation and its contractor, SEMA Construction, have closed a single east- and westbound lane of traffic along I-70 and US 6 to begin construction of new exits ramps at the I-70 West Parachute Interchange.

TRAVEL IMPACTS: Through mid-July, traffic will be reduced to a single lane in each direction on I-70 at MP 72.  Additionally, single-lane traffic along US 6 will also be in effect near the interchange. These lane closures are needed to allow for heavy equipment to access the the work zone as embankment material is hauled in and the excavation process begins.

Work hours are Monday through Saturday 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Motorists should expect traffic slowing and minor delays as they travel through the work zone. Please follow the directions of all traffic signs and flaggers as you proceed through the construction zone.

INFORMATION: For questions or comments about the project please call the project hotline at (970) 414-0611 or send an email to [email protected].

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.

PROJECT DETAILS: The interchange project, which began in March 2012 and has a completion date of The work has completion date of October 31, 2012, involves the construction of on- and off-ramps, construction of two roundabouts on the north and south sides of the existing overpass bridge on US 6, and an asphalt overlay on US 6. Several safety improvements will also be made, including new guardrail and new wildlife fencing on the north side of the interchange.

The existing bridge over I-70 will have new approach slabs, new rail and curb structures, new guardrails and a waterproofing membrane on the deck. The bridge deck will be overlaid with new asphalt, offering enhanced skid resistance, reduced noise levels and a smoother surface. Drainage improvements will also be made.

The total project cost will be approximately $12 million—from the Environmental Assessment to design and through construction. The funding came from several sources other than CDOT: the Town of Parachute, Garfield County, Battlement Mesa Company, and the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). Additionally, the gas production companies of Encana and Williams are providing $150,000 per company per year for the calendar years of 2011 and 2012 (yielding a total of $600,000). CDOT is contributing $6 million.