I-70 SH103 Bridge Slated for January Completion

Clear Creek County – The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Mountain Corridor Constructors announced today that construction of the new bridge over I-70 at Exit 240 will be complete the week of January 12th.

Construction was temporarily delayed in November due to the accumulation of naturally occurring contaminated groundwater during bridge excavation, but the ability to work directly with the local Public Work’s sanitary system means dewatering will take less time than originally estimated.

“The contractor has been able to remove and treat the water quicker than anticipated thanks to Idaho Springs issuing a permit that allows the water to be discharged directly into their sewage system.” said Paul Neiman, CDOT Project Engineer. “Dewatering is expected to be complete the week of December 8th.”

Once all water has been removed the final step of bridge construction will be the placement of precast bridge panels and girders that are currently being poured at the off-site construction yard in Metro Denver. These will be brought in on large trucks and lifted into place at the end of the month.

When the bridge re-opens next month, travelers on eastbound I-70 will once again be able to take Exit 240 north over the interstate into downtown Idaho Springs.

“Idaho Springs continues to be a supportive partner in the long-term improvements being made along the I-70 Mountain Corridor,” said CDOT Director of Communications Amy Ford. “We anticipate this winter to be as snowy as last year and look forward to travelers taking advantage of the new bridge to access après ski activities in Idaho Springs on their way back from a weekend in the mountains.”

The SH 103 Bridge is part of the larger Peak Period Shoulder Lane project and once completed in the fall of 2015, the PPSL will provide increased mobility by implementing eastbound operational improvements between Empire Junction and Idaho Springs 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. The project is part of CDOT’s comprehensive plan to improve travel in the I-70 Mountain Corridor.

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.