Westbound I-70 travelers advised to plan for additional weekday travel time near Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnels

Travel Advisory

October 22, 2021 - Northwestern Colorado - Work on Frisco to Silverthorne repaving project resumes Monday with new daytime work hours

SUMMIT COUNTY — The Colorado Department of Transportation and prime contractor, United Companies, are resuming a repaving project on westbound Interstate 70 between Silverthorne and Frisco. New work hours begin Monday, October 25, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and will take place Monday - Thursday, weather permitting.  This schedule is expected to last through the end of November or early December. Westbound I-70 travelers should plan for an additional 30 minutes of travel time while passing through the area during work hours. Eastbound traffic will not be affected.

The project had been paused for approximately two weeks after a fatal overnight crash in the project limits on Tuesday, Oct. 5. The crash required an extended westbound I-70 closure and was caused by a tractor trailer traveling above the posted speed limit. The driver died in the crash and at least one construction worker was severely injured. The crash came after ongoing efforts to decrease incidents of speeding on the I-70 corridor west of the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnels. Another nighttime crash and interstate closure occurred the night of Thursday, Oct. 21.

CDOT asks motorists to go slow through the cone zone on the construction project, by following posted lowered speed limits and watching for the merge point. Westbound travelers should anticipate merging to one lane and staying in one lane until near Silverthorne. Exit 205 westbound will continue to be open. The majority of project work near Frisco is already complete.

Travelers can use US 6 Loveland Pass as an alternate route, but should be prepared for remote, mountainous terrain with limited services.

The planned resurfacing improvements project began in May, with a focus on resurfacing westbound lanes approximately five miles from Mile Point 203 (Frisco) to MP 207 (just east of Silverthorne). Improvements include the removal and replacement of deteriorating portions of three concrete bridge decks, including the westbound I-70 on-ramp at Silverthorne (Exit 205). Potholes form where on-ramp lanes join I-70 because of current traffic patterns; upgrading the bridge deck will improve safety and minimize pot holes from developing. The project includes approximately 15,402 linear feet of guardrail that will be removed and replaced.

Travel Impacts 

Work will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Weekend work is not anticipated although schedules are subject to change. While work is underway, only one westbound lane will remain open for motorists. Additional delays may be possible during heavier traffic hours. Eastbound traffic will not be affected. During nights and weekends, when work is not taking place, two lanes of westbound traffic will be open. 

Stay Informed on I-70 Repaving Project   

The public is encouraged to sign-up for email updates through http://subscription.cotrip.org or more information can be accessed through the following resources: 

Other Summit County Projects 

Two more Summit County jobs are currently underway. Each has its own team and prime contractor. More information on these projects can be found at www.cotrip.org or on their specific website pages. 

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

  • 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!