I-70 Twin Tunnels Weekly Traffic Advisory

IDAHO SPRINGS – The eastbound Interstate 70 frontage road is operating and traffic is moving smoothly through the two-lane, one-mile detour route, allowing full-scale excavation work to begin at the Twin Tunnels.  Drivers should anticipate slower traffic and a 35 mph speed limit while the detour is in place through late 2013.

Please Note: Blasting and/or rock scaling operations will require 20 to 30 minute traffic stops at various times throughout the week, not including peak travel periods such as Saturday mornings or Sunday afternoons. The daily blasting schedule will be posted daily on the project hotline, (303) 327-4034 or webpage – www.coloradodot.info/projects/i70twintunnels

In addition to the detour, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will have the following lane closures taking place next week, east and/or west of the Twin Tunnels, for the installation of blast monitoring equipment, setting of barrier and guardrail removal.

• Sunday, April 14
  • 3 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday – one lane closed westbound
• Monday, April 15
  • 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. – one lane closed eastbound
  • 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday – one lane closed westbound
• Tuesday, April 16
  • 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. – one lane closed eastbound
  • 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Wednesday – one lane closed, eastbound & westbound
• Wednesday, April 17
  • 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. – one ane closed eastbound
  • 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Thursday – one lane closed eastbound
• Thursday, April 18
  • 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. – one lane closed eastbound
  • 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Friday – one lane closed eastbound
• Friday, April 19
  • 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. – one lane closed eastbound
  • 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Saturday – one lane closed eastbound

While these lane closures are in place, a 35 mph speed limit will be in effect and traffic slowing should be expected, primarily during daylight hours.

CDOT has activated a new website, allowing users to view cameras* to see how traffic is flowing, what messages the electronic signs are displaying and what the current travel speeds are in the Twin Tunnels area.  Please visit www.twintunnelstraffic.com for the latest traveler information.

“Our goal is to use the latest technology to increase safety and provide information to help reduce driver frustration,” said CDOT Traffic Engineer Clark Roberts.  “If we can eliminate the element of surprise for people heading into that work zone, they’ll be better prepared and know what to expect.”

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, includingI-70 West, Denver to Glenwood Springs. Updates also are available via Twitter @coloradodot and on CDOT’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/coloradodot.

CDOT also has launched a new smartphone application to provide drivers with easier access to I-70 traveler information. It includes travel speeds and times, road conditions, incidents, road work; and feeds from CDOT's closed-circuit television cameras and alerts.  Text CDOT to 25827 or download CDOT Mobile from your App store.

Adding a third lane to eastbound I-70 from east Idaho Springs to the bottom of Floyd Hill is part of CDOT’s strategy at reducing congestion along one of the state’s busiest corridors which, in turn, will improve gas mileage and air quality.

*The current on-site traffic cameras provide updated video every minute