I-70 Lane Closures Start Monday Near Rifle

GARFIELD COUNTY—Starting Monday, April 2, motorists should expect daytime single-lane closures on westbound I-70 between US Highway 6 (Exit 87) and Colorado Highway 13 (Exit 90) near Rifle.

Other traffic impacts this week:

1. Eastbound I-70 will be in a single-lane configuration at all times starting on Wednesday, April 4.
2. On Friday, westbound I-70 will also be reduced to a single lane 24/7.
3. Work on the westbound I-70 bridge over the Colorado River requires lane reductions through October.

Crews will immediately begin constructing median crossovers on both sides of the bridge. In May, the single westbound lane will shift onto the eastbound bridge. Eastbound and westbound traffic will be separated by a concrete barrier wall. This configuration will be in place at all times through October.

By removing all traffic from the westbound structure, crews can expedite bridge rehabilitation. A posted speed limit reduction to 45 mph is anticipated. Fines are double in the work zone.

Project completion is anticipated in October 2018. All work is weather dependent and the schedule is subject to change. Visit the project website for the latest schedule information.

Project Info

CDOT and Hamilton Construction Company will rehabilitate the westbound I-70 bridge over the Colorado River. In April, crews will begin constructing median crossovers on both sides of the bridge. The crossovers are necessary to shift westbound traffic onto the existing eastbound I-70 bridge. The westbound I-70 bridge will be closed until October 2018.

The bridge needs extensive structural steel and concrete deck repairs. Concrete bridge approaches and railings will also be replaced.

The total construction cost is approximately $3.1 million and the project is funded by FASTER. The Funding Advancements for Surface Transportation and Economic Recovery Act of 2009 (FASTER) allows the state of Colorado to improve roadway safety, repair deteriorating bridges, and support transit.