CDOT, Contractor United Companies to Begin Highway & Safety Improvement Project on I-70 East of Wolcott

EAGLE COUNTY—The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and contractor United Companies of Grand Junction will begin a project on Monday, March 20 (weather permitting) to improve the driving surface and safety features on I-70, from west of Edwards to Avon (approximate mile points are 159.5 to 167—with additional bridge work at 158.8).

This $11.1 million project is scheduled for completion by early November 2017.

The work will include resurfacing a 7.5-mile stretch of distressed pavement within those limits, making bridge rail and deck repairs on nine structures, lining one large deteriorated culvert under I-70, extensively upgrading and replacing guardrail on various sections along each side of the highway for the entire length of the project, and making minor lighting improvements to the wiring at the Edwards interchange. Signing and preliminary work will begin this week, with major work beginning the week of March 20.

This is a much-needed project to improve the pavement condition on this section of I-70, which sees a significant volume of traffic—more than 39,000 vehicles a day on average," CDOT Region 3 Eagle Resident Engineer Karen Berdoulay said. "The improvements will also bring the guardrail up to current standards and extend the life of the bridges."

Travel Impacts

Through May 15, motorists can expect some single-lane closures in each direction, during daytime hours*, Monday through Friday, with night work starting in April. Currently, no weekend work is expected, but may be necessary to expedite project completion. More specific information will be available on weekly lane closure reports, posted each Friday.

*In general, travel impacts will adhere to CDOT's lane closure policy for this stretch of I-70, which includes avoidance of any eastbound lane closures in the morning peak travel period and any westbound lane closures in the evening peak travel period from now until mid-May.

While the lane closure restrictions vary by I-70 location, here is a general overview of what motorists can expect:

• Avon east (approximately MP 166.5 to 167):
  No eastbound lane closures from 7-10 a.m.; no westbound lane closures from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Edwards to Avon (approximately MP 162.5 to 166.5):
  No eastbound lane closures from 7-9 a.m. and no westbound lane closures from 2-7 p.m.
• West of Edwards (approximately MP 159.5 to 162.5):
  No westbound lane closures between 4-6 p.m.

*May 16 through summer: Starting May 16 and extending through summer, there will be limited daytime lane closures on I-70 in either direction, again with the intent to avoid the highest peak travel periods. More work will be conducted at night. More daytime lane closures will occur again in fall until the project's completion in early November.