Bridge joint replacement project begins in the Metro Denver area

News Release

September 11, 2020 - Denver Metro Area - Motorists can expect various traffic impacts as the Colorado Department of Transportation begins work to improve four different bridge structures in the Metro Denver area.

Metro Denver— Starting Sept. 11, motorists can expect various traffic impacts as the Colorado Department of Transportation begins work to improve four different bridge structures in the Metro Denver area.

Work begins with a full closure this weekend at the flyover from southbound Vasquez Boulevard (US 6) onto Colorado Boulevard (CO 2)

  • The flyover will be closed starting at 6 p.m. Sept. 11 through the weekend and will open back up at 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 13. 
  • DETOUR: Continue on SB Vasquez Boulevard as it turns into Steele Street and you pass under Interstate 70. Enter onto eastbound I-70 from Steele Street and immediately take exit 276B to north or southbound Colorado Boulevard. This will add about three to five minutes to the route. 

Full closure displayed on map from southbound Vasquez Boulevard (US 6) onto Colorado Boulevard (CO 2)

Upcoming Work Locations

The additional work locations of the project include:

  • The bridge over Clear Creek on eastbound Interstate 70 just past the Interstate 76 exit at MP 269.35
  • The on-ramp from Wadsworth Boulevard (CO 121) onto eastbound I-70 over Clear Creek at MP 269.4
  • North and southbound Interstate 225 over Colfax Avenue at MP 9.88 

The remaining work schedule will be posted on the project website as the schedule is determined. 

Crews will replace the expansion joints at each location in addition to repairing the bridge deck on the I-225 location. Work on these structures is expected to be completed by November 2020. 

Bridge deck expansion joints allow for movement of the bridge deck which occurs naturally in various types of weather. Replacing bridge expansion joints helps extend the life of the structure and improves safety for travelers.  

Travel Impacts

Most of the work on this project will be completed at night, with occasional daytime work. Depending on the location, work may involve shoulder, on-ramp, single, double and full lane closures. Sign up for email notifications below to get up to date information on closures related to this project.   

Project Information

COVID-19  

Safe transportation infrastructure is essential for all of us, particularly for emergency first responders and freight drivers as Colorado navigates the COVID-19 pandemic. With that in mind, CDOT maintenance and construction crews  follow 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 and wearing face masks. As traffic returns to normal levels, motorists must drive cautiously and heed the speed limit so all of us can return home 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!