Phase 7 "Whole System-Whole Safety" roadwork to begin on I-70 in Glenwood Canyon

News Release

February 27, 2020 - Northwestern Colorado

GARFIELD COUNTY & EAGLE COUNTY – The Colorado Department of Transportation "Whole System-Whole Safety" program announces Phase 7 of Interstate 70 Glenwood Canyon Improvements will begin on Monday, March 2. Much of the early stages of the project will be preparations for two elements. First is the traffic shift of westbound traffic down to the eastbound driving deck, one lane in each direction, which is estimated to begin in late March. The second element is preparation for making rest area curb ramps compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

This eight-month improvement project includes resurfacing I-70 with a placement of thin bonded polyester concrete overlay, replacement of bridge joints and bearings, new pavement markings and ADA ramp improvements at rest areas. Construction will occur within approximately 6.2-miles on I-70 in the Glenwood Canyon, from mile post (MP) 116 to MP 133.

“During the early outreach last fall, we saw good participation. Most of the locals we spoke with said they understand how needed and important this project is,” said CDOT project engineer, Josh Cullen. “Now that the project construction is beginning, it’s exciting to know that we are getting closer to seeing the completion of this quadrant in the Glenwood Canyon.”

Polyester concrete overlay is the primary construction activity for this project. Upgrading this section of roadway will minimize the need for annual repairs as this road surface application is more durable and has a significantly longer lifespan than asphalt. This project will provide an improved driving surface and help ensure the longevity and safety of our infrastructure. 

This $15.7 million CDOT contract was awarded to American Civil Constructors West Coast. ACCWC has extensive experience with heavy-civil contracting services for infrastructure projects throughout the United States.

TRAFFIC AND TRAIL IMPACTS

Travel impacts for motorists and trail users will vary throughout the project. For much of the roadwork, motorists should plan for lane closures, reduced speed limits and narrowed roads. Delays are anticipated.

Crews will begin the project with single-lane closures on I-70 near the Grizzly Creek Rest Area at MP 121 Eastbound and at MP 127.5 Westbound for crews to mobilize equipment. Glenwood Canyon trail users may encounter shifting closures of ADA ramps at rest areas throughout the canyon.

Motorists should use both lanes to the merge point, also called a zipper merge. CDOT asks travelers to be aware of posted speed limits throughout work zones, to keep both fellow motorists and crews safe.

The project is scheduled to be complete in October 2020. To sign up for traffic and trail impact updates, please contact public information via email, [email protected], or phone, 970-618-5379.

REMEMBER: 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!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

WHOLE SYSTEM. WHOLE SAFETY.  

In early 2019, CDOT announced its Whole System — Whole Safety initiative to heighten safety awareness. This initiative takes a systematic, statewide approach to safety combining the benefits of CDOT’s programs that address driving behaviors, 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 the safety of all transportation modes. The program has one simple mission—to get everyone home safely.

ABOUT CDOT

CDOT has approximately 3,000 employees located throughout Colorado, and manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway and 3,429 bridges. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of other agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments and airports. It also administers Bustang, the state-owned and operated interregional express service. Governor Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options.