Central 70 Project to close I-70 this weekend and permanently close the westbound I-70 off-ramp to Steele/Vasquez

Travel Advisory

June 22, 2020 - Denver, Colorado - Required for bridge demolition and construction of lowered section

DENVER - As part of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Central 70 Project, motorists should expect two closures starting Friday. These closures will include a full weekend closure of Interstate 70 from Steele/Vasquez to I-270 and a permanent closure of the westbound I-70 off-ramp to Steele/Vasquez. In addition, traffic will shift slightly west for motorists traveling southbound on Colorado Boulevard at I-70.

These closures are required to accommodate the demolition of a portion of the old Colorado Boulevard bridge and continued construction of the lowered section. 


I-70 Steele/Vasquez Closure Map

(Click to Enlarge)

TRAFFIC IMPACTS:

  • Eastbound and westbound I-70 full closure between Steele/Vasquez and I-270 - 10 p.m., June 26 to 5 a.m., June 29

    • Motorists on westbound I-70 will be detoured north on I-270 to I-76 west and will continue south onto I-25 to I-70. 

    • Motorists on eastbound I-70 will be detoured north on I-25 to I-76 east and will continue south on I-270 to I-70. 

  • Westbound I-70 off-ramp to Steele/Vasquez permanent closure - begins as early as June 26

    • This ramp does not exist in the final alignment of the Central 70 Project and will, therefore, not be rebuilt. However, the Central 70 team is building a new 46th North Avenue to provide greater connectivity between Steele Street and Colorado Boulevard. Starting Monday, motorists will exit westbound I-70 at Colorado Boulevard and travel across Colorado Boulevard to 46th North Avenue to Steele Street.

For more information on these upcoming closures, and other Project-related impacts, join the Central 70 Project team for a virtual media briefing tomorrow.  

A special tour of the lowered section will be made available an hour after the briefing from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Those who would like to attend the tour must reserve a time slot ahead of time so the Project team can prepare ahead of time. Attendees must also wear closed toe shoes (preferably boots), long pants and face masks to take part in the tour. Attendees will not be allowed in the work zone without these items. If you do not have a safety vest and hard hat, Personal Protective Equipment will be provided. Please meet in front of the Central 70 Project office at 12:30 p.m. to be escorted to the lowered section: 3543 East 46th Avenue, Denver, CO 80216.

When: Tuesday, June 23, 10–11:30 a.m. for virtual media briefing via Zoom

Tuesday, June 23, 12:30-1:30 p.m. for in-person tour of lowered section

Where: Virtual via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83479137602

Meeting ID: 834 7913 7602

If you have issues logging in, please text Stacia Sellers at 720-280-5291.

Please meet at the Central 70 Project office for the in-person tour at 12:30: 3543 East 46th Avenue, Denver, CO 80216

Interview opportunities: Individual interviews with Project Director Keith Stefanik and Communications Manager Stacia Sellers will be offered following the briefing.

Visuals: We will provide access to aerial footage, Project photos, detour maps and other visuals/graphics for use by media.

About the Central 70 Project

The Central 70 Project will reconstruct a 10-mile stretch of I-70, add one new Express Lane in each direction, remove the aging 56-year-old viaduct and lower the interstate between Brighton and Colorado boulevards. More information on the Project, including a list of the Project’s community commitments, are available at central70.codot.gov.

Stay Informed

  • Text Alerts — Text Central70 to 77948
  • Email Updates — Sign up for Project Updates at c70.codot.gov 
  • Website — c70.codot.gov — Traffic Impacts page 
  • Watch progress on the webcam

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, road maintenance and 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 by practicing social distancing, wearing face masks, staying at home when possible, and avoiding nonessential travel. With fewer vehicles on the roads, CDOT crews will be able to work more efficiently and safely. 

Whole System Whole Safety 

Earlier this year, 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.