Construction of Pedestrian Bridge to Cause Tuesday Closure of I-70 On-Ramp Near Genesee Park

GOLDEN—On Tuesday, June 28, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will close an on-ramp leading to westbound Interstate 70 at the junction of US Highway 40 and Mt. Vernon Country Club Road for installation of a 120-linear foot-long-pedestrian bridge. The full closure of the on-ramp to westbound I-70 at mile point 253.5 will occur from 6 a.m. - 5 p.m.

"Closing this on-ramp will enable us to install this bridge quickly and with a minimal impact on the Mt. Vernon community," said Paul Jesaitis, CDOT Region 1 transportation director. "The goal of this project is to create safer environments around the highways system, and installing the bridge with maximum security and safety is a representation of that goal."

Detour Route

The recommended detour for motorists traveling westbound on I-70 is to take US 40 east to the juncture with I-70 at MP 256 and enter I-70 westbound there.

CDOT and prime contractor Hamilton Construction urge motorists to please drive slowly, avoid distractions and watch for signage to guide you through the construction area. Alternate routes are advised.

Background

The bridge will connect the 2.4-mile concrete, 10-foot-wide, multipurpose trail on the north side of I-70 between MP 251.4 and MP 253.8 in Genesee Park. Hamilton Construction of Golden is the contractor for the $2.4 million project.

Cyclists currently ride on the shoulders of I-70 to get from the Genesee exit to the El Rancho exit. This project will complete the trail that currently travels along I-70, giving bicyclists a safer route for traveling along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The new pedestrian bridge will be installed at the Genesee Buffalo Herd overlook.

The project is scheduled to be completed by mid-August 2016.