Weekend closure of westbound I-70 between I-270 and Brighton Boulevard for the final “1,2, Shift”

Travel Advisory

August 18, 2022 - Central/Eastern Colorado - Closure planned from 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26 to 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 29

Denver — As part of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Central 70 Project, westbound Interstate 70 between Interstate 270 and Brighton Boulevard will close from 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, to 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 29, so crews can remove the temporary jersey barrier that once separated westbound and eastbound traffic in its temporary configuration in the westbound bore of the tunnel and place the final lift of asphalt on westbound I-70 between Colorado and Brighton boulevards.

Come Monday morning, Aug. 29, motorists will be driving in the new, permanent alignment, completing the final traffic shift and major construction activities on I-70 for the Project. This final shift is taking place the same month that the Central 70 Project celebrates its fourth anniversary of the start of construction.

The on-ramps to westbound I-70 between Quebec Street and Brighton Boulevard will also be closed during the weekend. Express Lane testing will continue, and these additional lanes (one in each direction) will continue to open in phases in this final section of the Project over the next few months.

“We want to thank the traveling public for their patience as this monumental project nears completion,” said Bob Hays, CDOT Central 70 project director.

The entire Central 70 Project will reach substantial completion by the end of year. The remaining work once the final shift is complete includes completing construction of 46th South Avenue between York Street and Brighton Boulevard, finishing the public park over the interstate, and wrapping up final touches throughout the Project.

Motorists should still anticipate crews being on the interstate as they finish punch list items. The public is strongly urged to drop the distractions and maintain the 55 mph speed limit throughout the Project corridor.

Traffic Impacts

  • Full closure of westbound I-70 between I-270 and Brighton Boulevard from 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, to 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 29
  • Motorists traveling westbound on I-70 will head north on I-270, take eastbound I-76, continue south on I-25 and exit onto westbound I-70.
  • On-ramps to westbound I-70 between Quebec Street and Brighton Boulevard will be closed 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26 to 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 29

Central 70 Project Information

The Central 70 Project will reconstruct a 10-mile stretch of I-70, add one new Express Lane in each direction, remove the aging 57-year-old viaduct and lower the interstate between Brighton and Colorado boulevards. More information on the project, including a list of the Project’s community commitments, are available at c70.codot.gov.

Stay Informed

  • Text Alerts - Text Central70 to 77948
  • Email Updates - Sign up for Project updates at c70.codot.gov
  • Website - c70.codot.gov - Traffic Impacts page
  • Watch progress on the webcam

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!