Traffic switch on I-76 beginning Aug. 18 near Wiggins

Travel Advisory

August 12, 2021 - Northeastern Colorado - Motorists can expect delays


WELD & MORGAN COUNTIES – The Colorado Department of Transportation, in partnership with Castle Rock Construction, will switch traffic from the single eastbound lane, into a head-to-head configuration, on Interstate 76 near Wiggins, beginning Aug. 18. 

Work is anticipated to begin to with a temporary crossover detour that begins on the eastbound lane (MilePoint 61.5). Eastbound traffic will be transitioned from two lanes to one lane in the existing eastbound traffic lanes. Traffic between MP 61.5 and 55.5 will be head-to-head for approximately 6.8 miles on the eastbound side. From MP 55.5, traffic will again crossover the detour in the median back to the westbound lanes. The speed limit throughout the crossover is 45 mph. The speed limit throughout the head-to-head section will be 55 mph. Additionally, there will be a 12-foot wide-load restriction. Emergency access will be available at all times.

The purpose of this detour is to isolate the section of I-76 westbound for concrete panel repairs and replacement along this 6.8 miles as this project aims to make overall improvements along the I-76 corridor. This work should be completed, and traffic should be back in its normal configuration, before Thanksgiving Day. 

Travel Impacts 

  • Daytime work hours range from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

  • Vehicles travelling in the eastbound lane will be shifted to a separate eastbound detour lane.

  • Speed limits are reduced to 45 mph and 55 mph depending on the area of the detour. 

Project & Travel Info

For additional information about this project, contact the project team. 

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

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.

  • 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 especially alert at night while driving in work zones.

  • Be patient!

About CDOT

CDOT’s Whole System-Whole Safety program has one simple mission — to get everyone home safely. Our approximately 3,000 employees work tirelessly to reduce the rate and severity of crashes and improve the safety of all modes of transportation. The department manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway, more than 3,000 bridges and 35 mountain passes. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments and airports. It also operates Bustang, the state-owned interregional express bus service. Gov. Jared Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options.