CDOT Releases Shortlist of Teams Vying to Build the I-70 East Project

July 24, 2015 - Denver Metro/CDOT Region 1 - Private partner would design, build, finance, operate and maintain I-70 East Project.

DENVER –The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the High Performance Transportation Enterprise (HPTE) and the Colorado Bridge Enterprise today announced the four teams shortlisted to continue the process of qualifying to build the I-70 East Project.

In response to a March release of the I-70 East Project’s Request for Qualifications, five Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from combined teams of construction and engineering firms, operators and equity investors were submitted in June. The teams were evaluated on their organizational structure, experience on like projects, approach to the Project and financial capacity. The four selected teams are:

  • 5280 Connectors

  • Kiewit/Meridiam Partners

  • Front Range Mobility Group

  • I-70 Mile High Partners

“I-70 East is a critical artery for Colorado. We have the opportunity with this project to bring major improvements to this interstate and replace the aging I-70 East viaduct--the very last of the 30-worst bridges in the state not yet addressed.  We are very pleased with the strong interest from industry looking to partner with CDOT to build the I-70 East Project. I look forward to entering the next step of the process with these four teams,” said Tony DeVito, I-70 East Project Director.

The four teams will now be asked to respond to a Request for Proposals (RFP). The first draft of the RFP will be issued in fall 2015, with a goal of selecting a private partner in 2016. CDOT and HPTE will host a Telephone Town Hall and two public meetings, August 18-20, to provide more information and gather input on elements of the process. For more information on those meetings, visit www.i-70east.com.

“We hope the public will join us at either the Telephone Town Hall or the public meetings next month,” said Michael Cheroutes, HPTE Director. “We want to keep them informed every step of the way as we continue through this process to find the most qualified team for I-70 East.”

The selection process does not prejudge the final project to be constructed, which will be determined at the end of the Environmental Impact Statement process. The current phase one project for I-70 East includes adding an Express Lane in each direction on I-70 from I-25 to I-225, removing the 50-year-old viaduct between Brighton Boulevard and Colorado Boulevard and lowering the interstate along this stretch, and constructing a 4-acre cover over a portion of the lowered interstate. The Final Environmental Impact Statement is due to be released early next year. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2017.

For more information, visit www.coloradohpte.com and www.codot.gov/projects/i70east and for more information on the environmental study, visit www.I-70east.com.