Westbound I-76 to be Switched to New Lanes Between Brush and Fort Morgan Starting Today, November 7
MORGAN COUNTY — Beginning today, Thursday, November 7, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will switch the westbound lanes of traffic onto the newly completed concrete westbound lanes of I-76 from Brush to Fort Morgan. The new configuration of I-76 lanes is part of the larger interstate reconstruction project that improves the existing infrastructure of both directions of I-76 from Brush to Fort Morgan. By reconstructing bridges along the project, CDOT is creating a safer trip for drivers, and the resurfacing will create a smoother ride (reducing wear and tear, and lowering vehicle maintenance costs).
Since the project began in March 2013, crews have removed and replaced the old westbound lanes of I-76 and built a new bridge across Badger Creek, as well as new westbound bridges over Dodd Bridge Road, Morgan County Road (CR) 25, CR 26, Hospital Road, and CR 29. All of these bridges along with the corresponding concrete ramps and roadway in between have been completed. Motorists can expect various closures through the end of this month as crews work to finish detour pavement that will be used in next year’s phase of construction.
During the winter months, between December 2013 and March 2014, traffic will be in a divided configuration with two lanes of traffic in each direction. In spring, traffic will switch to a head-to-head configuration in the westbound lanes of I-76 as crews begin demolition of State Highway (SH) 71 overI-76, conduct dirt haul operations, and remove and replace the eastbound lanes of I-76.
Altogether, crews will build/replace/rehabilitate 13 bridges and one box culvert throughout the length of the project, will reconfigure two I-76 interchanges at State Highway 71 and Dodd Bridge Road to standard diamond interchanges, and will lengthen all on- and off-ramps for a safer transition onto and off of the interstate. The existing six miles of roadway throughout the project, including shoulders and ramps, will be repaved with concrete. Additionally, long term drainage improvements will be made along the interstate in Brush.
Throughout construction, motorists can expect to see crews working Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with occasional night and weekend work. Delays during working hours will be kept to a minimum, and only one interchange will be closed at a time for construction. Throughout the construction zone, the speed limit will be reduced to 55 MPH, and motorists are encouraged to driveSlow for the Cone Zone!
This project has a contracted cost of $37.6 million to Castle Rock Construction Co.
For additional information about the project, contact the project public information line at 970-840-7090 or at [email protected]. The project also has a website at www.coloradodot.info/projects/i76brushreconstruction.
To receive real-time updates about road conditions in your area, visit www.coloradodot.info and click on the green cell phone icon in the upper right hand corner of the page. Information about weekly lane closures will be available at www.coloradodot.info/travel/scheduled-lane-closures.html. Live road conditions are available at www.cotrip.org or by calling 511 from anywhere in the state. Updates are also available via Twitter @coloradodot and be sure to “Like” our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/coloradodot.
