Central 70 Project to conduct first eastbound I-70 traffic shift in the lowered section

Travel Advisory

March 14, 2022 - Central/Eastern Colorado - New lanes between Steele Street/Vasquez and Colorado boulevards opening to traffic on March 16

Denver — As part of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Central 70 Project, motorists can expect a traffic shift the morning of Wednesday, March 16, onto the recently completed eastbound Interstate 70 lanes between Steele Street/Vasquez and Colorado boulevards. This will be the first traffic shift for motorists onto the new and permanent lanes of eastbound I-70 in the new lowered section.

Lanes will shift to the south (see the graphic below) to allow crews to begin installing intelligent transportation systems as part of the future Express Lanes. Motorists can expect the last traffic shift into the final configuration of eastbound I-70 between Brighton Boulevard and Steele Street/Vasquez Boulevard by the end of summer 2022.

No detours are planned for this traffic shift. Motorists should expect slight delays as corridor drivers get used to the new alignment.

This work is weather and site condition dependent and subject to change. Follow the Project on Facebook at facebook.com/central70project for the latest information.

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.

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!