TRAFFIC ADVISORY I-70 Traffic Stops/Lane Closures resume near Vail Next Week

July 19, 2019

EAGLE COUNTY – The Colorado Department of Transportation will stop traffic intermittently on eastbound and westbound Interstate 70 through Dowd Canyon (mile 171 – 173) on Monday, July 22, for rock scaling operations.  Dowd Canyon is between the west end of Vail and the junction of U.S. 6 & 24 (Dowd Junction).  

Traffic will be stopped once or twice an hour for approximately 30 minutes between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Cyclists and pedestrians also will not be permitted to travel on the bike path through Dowd Canyon while I-70 is closed to traffic. 

CDOT must stop traffic whenever rock work is taking place above highways to maintain safety for the traveling public.  And, due to safety and visibility requirements, rock work must be performed during daylight hours

PLEASE NOTE: Rock scaling is expected to be completed Monday. However, if geotechnical personnel determine another day of rock work is required, CDOT will again stop traffic on Tuesday, July 23, during the same time-frame. Following scaling operations, the right lane of westbound I-70 will be closed from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to clean the ditch along the right shoulder to restore its effectiveness as a rockfall catch area. Delays should be anticipated throughout the day.  An updated work schedule will be distributed Monday afternoon.   

As part of its Whole System – Whole Safety campaign, CDOT prioritizes the removal or the securing of potential, identified hazards such as loose rocks and boulders.  This operation will provide I-70 drivers with a safety enhancement through an area that is prone to rockfall. 

Remember to Slow for the Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones; obey the posted speed limits.
  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch for workers; drive with caution.
  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts, and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be Patient!

Whole System, Whole Safety

To heighten safety awareness, CDOT recently announced its Whole System, Whole Safety initiative. This project takes a systematic statewide approach to safety combining the benefits of CDOT’s programs that address driving behavior, our built environment and the organization's operations. The goal is to improve the safety of Colorado's transportation network by reducing the rate and severity of crashes and improving safety conditions for those traveling by all transportation modes. The program has one simple mission: to get everyone home safely.