Infrastructure repairs underway at the I-70 Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnel

Travel Advisory

August 12, 2022 - Central Colorado - Several projects are planned through 2024 to help bring the tunnel up to modern standards.

Construction crews working on repairs on I-70 in the Eisenhower Tunnel

Clear Creek/Summit Counties - The Colorado Department of Transportation has begun repairing infrastructure at the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnel (EJMT) through a variety of construction projects. The first of the projects started this July and the rest of the projects will be built over the next several years. Work is anticipated to be completed in 2024.

The EJMT is almost 50 years old and its infrastructure is aging and outdated. I-70 and the EJMT is a major Colorado corridor for regional and national commerce, recreational traffic, and access to the mountain communities. The projects will repair some of the critical items in the EJMT and improve conditions for the traveling public.

"These projects are part of CDOT’s 10-Year Plan, with funding made possible through Senate Bill 260 and the Bridge & Tunnel Enterprise,” said CDOT Executive Director, Shoshana Lew. “I-70 is a crucial corridor for moving goods and services such as medical supplies, food, and other essential items and as such, the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel is a vital piece of infrastructure to keep I-70 traffic moving safely and efficiently. These improvements to the EJMT will lead to fewer tunnel closures for emergency repairs, as well as help extend the lifespan of the tunnels and enhance safety and connectivity for the traveling public."

The first project, which will improve the wall panels in the westbound tunnel, started in mid-July with overnight single lane closures on westbound I-70 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday - Thursday nights. There are no closures during holidays. Sign up for weekly updates by emailing the project team at [email protected].

Below is a list of the various projects.

  • Replace and repair grout beds that support the interior wall panels and repair steel hangar (brackets that hold the wall panel in place) issues throughout the westbound tunnel. Work is underway.
  • Repair and improve drainage, plumbing, and heat tape (an insulated electrical line that is warm and is used inside the pipes to keep the water in them from freezing).
  • Upgrade and repairs to the approach/entryways to the tunnels.
  • Replace several overhead variable message boards and cameras in the tunnels used for monitoring traffic flow and incidents.
  • Repair the roof.
  • Build a new CDOT maintenance shed on the west side/Summit County side of the tunnel.
  • Conduct biannual tunnel inspections.

Project Information 

For additional information about this project:

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!

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