The first of two remaining traffic shifts complete, bringing the Central 70 Project one step closer to substantial completion

Travel Advisory

July 18, 2022 - Central/Eastern Colorado - Eastbound I-70 traffic is flowing in its new configuration between Brighton and Colorado boulevards

Denver — As part of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Central 70 Project, the first of two remaining traffic shifts is now complete as of 5 a.m. Monday, July 18, and motorists are driving on the new eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 between Brighton and Colorado boulevards.

Crews worked around the clock this past weekend to move the three lanes of eastbound I-70 traffic south onto the new lanes of I-70, which run underneath the newly constructed portion of the eastbound half of the cover park, similar to westbound traffic.

“We are very proud of how far this Project has come in nearly four years of construction,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “All the men and women involved have worked nearly 200,000 hours over the past two months in preparation for this milestone. We are now one step closer to substantial completion which is slated for later this year, making the Project on time.”

What’s next for the project?

  • The second and final shift of the project is expected to take place this fall (see #2 shift in animation below)
    • Once the temporary barrier that once separated westbound and eastbound traffic in the future westbound lanes of I-70 is removed this fall, crews will place final pavement and will move traffic into its final alignment for westbound I-70 between Brighton and Colorado boulevards, which will be the second and final shift for the Central 70 Project. At this time, after four years of construction, the Central 70 Project will reach substantial completion as all lanes along the 10-mile stretch will be in final alignment.

  • Cover park construction continues with the goal of opening it to the general public late fall/early winter

  • Express Lane testing will continue

  • Landscaping and punch-list items will be completed

About the Central 70 Project

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 central70.codot.gov.

Stay Informed

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!