Work begins for widening I-70 eastbound lanes from Frisco to Silverthorne

Travel Alert

April 19, 2022 - Northwestern Colorado -

Summit County – The Colorado Department of Transportation and prime contractor Ames Construction have begun work on the eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 from Frisco to Silverthorne (Mile Points 202-207). Work began Monday, April 18, which requires lane closures at the interchange of I-70, US Highway 6 and Colorado Highway 9. Most work will take place at night. Motorists should anticipate up to 20 minutes of additional travel time throughout the project work zone. Two eastbound I-70 lanes will remain open through the entirety of the project. Traffic patterns will change based on the work, and traffic devices and concrete barriers will shift motorists into temporary lanes. Speeds on I-70 will be reduced to 55 mph in the work zone. Work will be weather-dependent.

Construction will halt during winter months from late October 2022 until early April 2023. The overall project completion date is the end of September 2023.

Starting this week, primary construction impacts to traffic will be underneath I-70 at the intersection of US 6 and CO 9. The goal is to complete this work before the busy summer tourism season. Motorists should anticipate shorter left turn lanes from US 6 and CO 9 (Blue River Parkway) onto I-70 on-ramps at exit 205 (Silverthorne). This will affect both I-70 eastbound and westbound on-ramps at exit 205, toward Denver and Frisco. The shorter turn lanes are expected to be in place 24/7 until July 1. Then turn lanes will be restored to their usual length.

Work along eastbound I-70 includes widening, repaving and striping, as well as widening the bridges over US 6 and the Blue River. A longer deceleration lane and improved signage will enhance the safety at the exit 205 off-ramp. Deer fencing also will be installed in both the eastbound and westbound directions of I-70 between MP 203 to 205. The scenic overlook east of exit 203 in Frisco will build additional truck parking. The overlook will remain closed during construction, but reopen for the winter shutdown period.

I-70 widening from Frisco to Silverthorne project map

Schedule and Traffic Impacts

Daytime work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (minimal impacts after noon on Fridays). Night work hours will vary based on location, starting as early as 8:00 p.m and lasting no later than 6:00 a.m. to accommodate morning rush hour. At times, nighttime work may be necessary on Saturdays with minimal impacts. Crews will be off the road by 6 a.m. following any night work. Width restrictions on I-70 will be reduced to 11 feet. On US 6, the width restriction is 10 feet. Pedestrian facilities will detour around active work areas but will remain open.

Other I-70 Projects

Other projects on I-70 are happening in close proximity. These each have their own prime contractors and construction teams. More information on these projects can be found on the project specific websites or by visiting www.cotrip.org for real time impacts on CDOT projects across the state. The I-70 construction teams are in close communication to help keep the public informed.

I-70 Frisco to Silverthorne Auxiliary Project Information

The community is encouraged to sign-up for project announcements by contacting us at:

Know Before You Go

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!

Download the COtrip App!

The new FREE COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!