I-70 Parachute Interchange Construction Enters Phase 2

September 20, 2012 - Northwestern Colorado/CDOT Region 3 - GARFIELD COUNTY - The Colorado Department of Transportation and its contractor, SEMA Construction, will begin work this Saturday, September 22, on the second phase of the new interchange west of Parachute on I-70 (MP 72).

The new interchange will offer on- and off-ramps in both east and west directions and will utilize an existing overpass bridge on US 6. It will facilitate efficient, full-service traffic movements in this rapidly growing area.

To date, crews have completed much of the site and dirt work involved with forming the new on- and off-ramps and the construction of two roundabouts on the north and south sides of the existing overpass bridge on US 6. Several safety improvements have also been made, including new guardrail and new wildlife fencing on the north side of the interchange.  Additionally, along the east side of the existing bridge over I-70, a new approach slab, new rail and curb structures and new guardrails have been added to the east side of the deck.

Phase two of this project includes the final pouring of concrete along the two roundabouts and the remaining improvements on the west side of the existing bridge over I-70. Phase three, which will begin in the middle of October, will include final asphalt paving along US 6 and the bridge over I-70.  The work has a completion date of October 31, 2012.

GENERAL TRAVEL IMPACTS: During construction there will be single-lane closures on both eastbound and westbound I-70, US 6 and across the overpass bridge. Work hours are Monday through Saturday 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Motorists should expect traffic slowing through the area.

I-70 TRAFFIC IMPACTS:

  • East- and westbound shoulder lane closures will be in effect as crews complete work on the new exit ramps and pave a new slope and ditch on the underside of the existing US 6 bridge that crosses over I-70.
  • Lane shifts and single-lane traffic along I-70 can periodically be expected as trucks and equipment use the added space to stage equipment and work safely.

US 6 TRAFFIC IMPACTS:

  • Single lane, alternating traffic will be in place along US 6 for the duration of the project. This traffic formation is necessary to complete the asphalt paving, repairs and repaving of the bridge, and concrete pouring along the bridge and newly formed roundabouts.
  • Beginning Thursday, September 20, traffic traveling along US 6 will be directed to travel along the East side of the north roundabout and the west side of the south roundabout as crews begin working on the remaining half of the roundabouts.
  • Beginning Monday, September 24, work will begin on the west side of the bridge which includes completing the new approach slab, finishing the new rail and curb structures, and the installation of new guardrails.
  • Delays can be expected during working hours as equipment and crews move in and out of the work zone. Please follow the direction of the flaggers.
  • During non-working hours, timed light signals will replace the flaggers. Commuters should expect wait times of a few minutes and are encouraged to plan ahead.
  • INFORMATION: Please call the project hotline at (970) 414-0611 or send an email to [email protected] with questions or comments.

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.