Interchange improvements coming to north side of Kipling at I-70

Travel Advisory

July 10, 2020 - Metro Denver Area, Colorado

WHEAT RIDGE – The Colorado Department of Transportation will begin work on July 13 to improve the north side of the Interstate 70 and Kipling Street interchange. Changes include removal of the congested 49th Avenue traffic signal and construction of a second right turn lane from the westbound I-70 off-ramp onto Kipling Street. This project will help congestion on the westbound I-70 off-ramp and improve traffic flow and safety northbound on Kipling through the W. 50th Avenue intersection.

These improvements were identified during the I-70/Kipling Interchange Environmental Assessment study completed and approved in early 2019, which also outlined a longer-term plan for full reconstruction of the I-70/Kipling interchange. CDOT plans to phase implementation of the interchange reconstruction as funding becomes available. The first early action project to construct an additional lane on eastbound I-70 between Ward Road and Kipling Street was completed in 2019. The upcoming improvements to the north side of the interchange area is the next phase and the only construction currently funded.

Once the north phase changes are implemented, drivers will be able to make right turns in and out of 49th Avenue at Kipling Street and use a second left turn lane on westbound 50th Avenue to head south on Kipling Street to improve mobility through the area.

Map of project location changes along at W 50th Avenue and Kipling st, as well as W 49th Avenue and N Frontage Rd

Project Area Map

TRAVEL IMPACTS:

  • Construction is planned to begin July 13 and to be completed in January 2021. 

  • Construction will generally occur on weekdays from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm. Some night work may occur.

  • All motorized vehicles should expect travel impacts throughout the construction project.

  • Motorists should be aware of various lane closures.

  • Motorists are urged to obey speed reductions and watch for construction personnel and equipment in the work zone.

 

PROJECT & TRAVEL INFO

Detailed information about the I-70 and Kipling North Phase Interchange Improvements will be disseminated on a weekly basis and updated on the project web page. To sign up for notifications, motorists can call the project hotline number or send an email to the project. 

 

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.

  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so

  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.

  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.

  • 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.

  • Be patient!

COVID-19 

Safe transportation infrastructure is essential for emergency first responders and freight drivers as Colorado navigates the COVID-19 pandemic. With that in mind, construction continues on CDOT projects with social distancing and other health safety measures to reduce COVID-19 exposure on the worksite. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced guidelines for construction activities. The public is urged to join the campaign for #DoingMyPartCO and practice social distancing, wear face masks, stay at home when possible, and avoid nonessential travel. With fewer vehicles on the roads, CDOT crews will be able to work more efficiently and safely.