Periodic traffic stops planned for rock scaling on I-70 at US 6, west of Evergreen in the mountain corridor

Travel Advisory

March 14, 2022 - Central/Eastern Colorado - I-70 drivers should plan for delays

UPDATED MARCH 15 - ROCK SCALING OPERATIONS COMPLETED TUESDAY, MARCH 15. NO FURTHER DAYTIME I-70 CLOSURES ARE NEEDED AS ORIGINALLY PLANNED. 

Clear Creek County — Traffic will be periodically stopped in both directions on Interstate 70 at US 6 (Floyd Hill) west of Evergreen between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Tuesday, March 15. Traffic stops are necessary for rock scaling operations, in which loose rocks are pushed off the mountain slope above the highway.

Plan for delays on I-70 March 15 during the day:

Vehicles will be stopped for about 20 minutes while crews perform this rock scaling work and clean up the highway. The queue of stopped vehicles will then be released before traffic is again stopped and the process repeats. Drivers should plan for delays. Motorists can avoid delays by planning their travels through the I-70 mountain corridor in the Floyd Hill area (between Idaho Springs and Evergreen) before 9 a.m. or after 3 p.m.

CDOT engineers have been monitoring this area and determined the work must happen immediately due to loose rocks. The scaling is a proactive measure to remove the rocks, preventing a potential rockfall. Road closures must occur during daytime hours because the rock scaling crews need the daylight and visibility to do their work and clear debris should it fall onto the road.

Westbound I-70 nightly closures:

Once the scaling is done, the rest of the rockfall mitigation work will be done at night. Westbound I-70 will close Monday - Thursday nights, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. over a period of four weeks, from late March to mid-April. Closures are necessary as crews install and anchor mesh over the rockface to further prevent rocks and debris from falling onto the roadway. This work can be done safely at night. A detour will be in place.

Note: The schedule is subject to change depending on the weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

I-70 US 6

Location of rockfall mitigation work - red area marks where the scaling will occur.

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!