Glenwood Canyon westbound traffic stops on May 20-21

Travel Advisory

May 18, 2020 - Northwestern Colorado

GARFIELD & EAGLE COUNTIES – Construction crews for I-70 No Name Tunnel Lighting Replacement and are making excellent progress on critical safety and infrastructure improvements. Beginning at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20, westbound motorists can expect intermittent 30-minute traffic stops on I-70 at the No Name Tunnel. The traffic stops will take place on May 20 and 21. Crews will not be working May 22 through May 25, for Memorial Day weekend. Traffic stops will resume on Tuesday, May 26 and will continue through the end of June 2020. CDOT and contract partner Casper Electric will be removing the deteriorating slotted drain and installing the new slotted drain for stormwater management. 

Motorists must plan for a slower overall travel time through Glenwood Canyon, due to critical updates being made by crews with the I-70 Glenwood Canyon Surface Improvements Project.  

Routes and schedules for both projects are subject to change. Motorists are encouraged to sign up for traffic and trail impact updates by contacting public information via email, [email protected], or phone, 970-618-5379.

I-70 No Name Tunnel Lighting Replacement Project

As part of CDOT’s Whole System - Whole Safety initiative, this construction season crews are working on the westbound tunnel removing and replacing antiquated lighting controls and fixtures with new LED fixtures with a remote controllable lighting system. The new lighting system will be tied into the Hanging Lake Tunnel Operations Center so that lighting can be monitored and controlled by personnel in the Hanging Lake Tunnel. The updated lighting will use less power while allowing more light for the traveling public to have better visibility during the day and night.

The multi-year project began April 2020 and has an anticipated completion date of January 2022.   

Those seeking more information about this project, or with questions or comments, can reach the project team at: 

I-70 Glenwood Canyon Surface Improvements Project

This eight-month, $15.7 M 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.

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.

The project is scheduled to be complete in October 2020.

To sign up for traffic and trail impact email updates, please contact public information via email, phone, or text.

STAY INFORMED

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 measures to reduce COVID-19 exposure on the worksite. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced guidelines for construction activities. Gov. Polis issued an emergency, temporary stay-at-home order for all of Colorado, which went into effect Thursday, March 26. With this order, the public is urged to join the campaign for #DoingMyPartCO and avoid all nonessential travel. With fewer vehicles on the roads, CDOT crews will be able to work more efficiently and safely.


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!

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.