Construction to Begin on State Highway 103 Bridge

Clear Creek County – Following nearly two months of work on the Eastbound I-70 Peak Period Shoulder Lane (PPSL), the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced today that, weather permitting, construction is expected to begin at SH 103 (Exit 240 for Mount Evans/Idaho Springs) the week of Oct. 13, 2014.

The work planned at SH 103 includes interchange reconstruction comprised of complete bridge replacement this fall and on/off ramp improvements in the spring of 2015. The bridge that carries SH 103 over I-70 will be widened from 38 feet to 59 feet to include a center auxiliary lane, wider shoulders for on-street bicyclists, and a much wider sidewalk.

Beginning Oct. 20, 2014, the bridge will be closed for six weeks, weather dependent. All on and off ramps will remain open during this entire time and special considerations will be made for the Thanksgiving holiday. I-70 travelers looking to access Idaho Springs are encouraged to use nearby exits: Exit 241 east of Idaho Springs and Exits 239 and 238 west of Idaho Springs.

“Upon completion, the new bridge will not only provide a more comfortable traveling experience for vehicles on I-70 passing under the bridge, but will also serve as an aesthetic gateway to Idaho Springs,” said PPSL Project Manager Andria Schmid of CDOT.

Mountain Corridor Constructors, the contractor building the project, is using an innovative bridge construction method (Accelerated Bridge Construction) that will complete the bridge in approximately six weeks, compared with traditional methods that would’ve taken an additional five to six weeks.

In order to keep residents who live and work in the area informed about PPSL and other active construction projects in the I-70 Mountain Corridor (e.g., Twin Tunnels), members of the community are invited to join a Corridor-wide Telephone Town Hall by calling 877-229-8493 and enter 112034. Participants will have numerous opportunities to ask questions and hear from CDOT and key project representatives.

The Eastbound I-70 Peak Period Shoulder Lane (PPSL) project is part of CDOT’s comprehensive plan to improve travel in the I-70 Mountain Corridor.  The PPSL project will provide eastbound operational improvements to relieve traffic congestion during periods when traffic volumes are highest.  This $72 million dollar investment is expected to save motorists an average of 30 minutes in travel time.  Construction of the 13 mile upgrade, between Empire Junction and Idaho Springs, is slated for completion by Fall 2015.

PROJECT INFORMATION LINE:  For additional information about this project or to leave a message, call the project information line at 303-223-6581 or visit www.i70ppsl.com.  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.

For information regarding CDOT projects statewide, log on to www.cotrip.org, download the CDOT Mobile app or call 511 from anywhere in the state. 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.