Weekend closure of eastbound I-70 from Washington Street to I-270 in preparation for the “1,2 Shift”

Travel Advisory

July 12, 2022 - Central/Eastern Colorado - eastbound I-70 will close from 10 p.m., Friday, July 15, to 5 a.m., Monday, July 18, so crews can prepare the roadway for the first of two traffic shifts to happen over the next few months

Denver — As part of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Central 70 Project, eastbound Interstate 70 between Washington Street and Interstate 270 will close from 10 p.m., Friday, July 15, to 5 a.m., Monday, July 18, so crews can prepare the roadway for the first of two traffic shifts to happen over the next few months.

On Monday morning, July 18, motorists will notice the first shift which will move all three lanes of eastbound I-70, between Brighton and Colorado boulevards, south into their new and permanent alignment. These new lanes will run underneath the newly constructed portion of the eastbound half of the cover park. The Express Lanes between Washington Street and Colorado Boulevards will open in phases for testing throughout the next few months.

Westbound I-70 traffic will stay in its temporary alignment as crews work to remove the barrier that once separated east and westbound traffic in the future westbound lanes. Once the barrier is removed along I-70 this fall, crews will place final pavement and will move traffic into its final alignment on westbound I-70 between Brighton and Colorado boulevards, which will be the second and final traffic 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. Express Lane testing will continue, and this additional lane (one in each direction) will continue to open in phases along the corridor.

Traffic Impacts

  • Full closure of eastbound I-70 between Washington Street and I-270 – 10 p.m., Friday, July 15, to 5 a.m., Monday, July 18
  • Motorists traveling eastbound on I-70 will head north on I-25, take eastbound I-76, continue east on I-270 and exit onto eastbound I-70.
  • All on- and off-ramps to eastbound I-70 between the closure points will be closed 10 p.m., Friday, July 15, to 5 a.m., Monday, July 18

CDOT invites media to walk on the newly constructed eastbound lanes of I-70 and see the progress being made on the future cover park. This will be an opportunity for media representatives to get a glimpse of crews preparing for the“1,2 Shift” and full weekend closure of eastbound I-70 between Washington Street and I-270.

  • When: Wednesday, July 13, 2022, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
  • Where: Meet at Central 70 Project offices: 3543 E. 46th Ave., Denver, CO 80216
  • Interview opportunities: Individual interviews with Project Director Bob Hays and Communications Manager Stacia Sellers will be offered following the briefing

Additional Information

Please respond directly to Stacia Sellers ([email protected]) to RSVP for the tour.
All participants must wear the following: non-heeled boots (steel-toe boots not required), long pants, safety vest,* hard hat.*
We will provide access to aerial footage, Project photos and other visuals/graphics.

*We will provide extra PPE for those participants who do not have their own.

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

  • 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!

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