CDOT begins installation of wrong-way detection systems along Interstate 70 mountain corridor

News Release

July 7, 2021 - Northwestern Colorado - Work begins July 12 and continues through mid October

EAGLE, GARFIELD, MESA, SUMMIT COUNTIES – On July 12, The Colorado Department of Transportation and Contractor Colorado Barricade will begin installing wrong-way detection systems at 87 off-ramp locations along Interstate 70. 

The project is located along I-70, starting at Exit 205 (Silverthorne) in Summit County and moving west. The project will end with Exit 2 (Rabbit Valley) in Mesa County, approximately two miles east of the Utah/Colorado border. Work will improve wrong-way detection systems and signage. 

Wrong-way detection systems and signage will help prevent motorists from entering the interstate from the wrong direction. New signage and pavement markings will enhance safety to motorists by preventing fatalities caused by driving the wrong direction onto non-signalized highways.

Project Schedule

Work is scheduled to begin on July 12 and is expected to continue through mid October. Normal working hours will be Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Travel Impacts

  • Travelers by car can expect various lane closures where work zones exist, during daylight hours, Monday through Thursday. 

Project and Travel Info

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


R3 Wrong Way Project Map

 

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and 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.
  • 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!

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.