Eastbound I-70 Auxiliary Lane project resumes in Summit County

Travel Advisory

April 5, 2023 - Northwestern Colorado - Work begins mid-April after winter shutdown

Summit County — The Colorado Department of Transportation, in cooperation with Ames Construction, will resume work on the Summit County I-70 Auxiliary Lane Project in mid-April. The project began last spring, took a winter break, and is anticipated to be completed this fall.

An initial impact to travelers will be the I-70 overlook east of Frisco's on-ramp (exit 203). Currently, there is a small closure inside the overlook. A full closure will take place Monday, April 10 for the duration of the project for construction staging. Crews will then begin work by re-striping lanes for the new traffic pattern on eastbound I-70 and setting barrier east of the 203 exit at Frisco. The new traffic pattern will allow workers to widen the outside eastbound lanes in the construction zone. Last year, inside widening was completed in the same area.

As crews begin full production, bridge improvements will resume on both the US Highway 6 bridge and the bridge over Blue River. During last year's construction season, new foundations, piers, columns, abutments and pier caps were completed in preparation to set steel girders, which is anticipated to take place at the end of April. The steel girders will allow for the bridge to be widened on the inside shoulder. Crews will be setting concrete barriers on the left side to allow for a safe working area for the bridge widening.

Enhancing safety with wildlife fencing along both eastbound and westbound sides of I-70 from Frisco to Silverthorne is an additional benefit of the auxiliary lane project. This work is scheduled to start mid-May.

Traffic Impacts

  • Typical daytime hours of work will be from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (minimal impacts after noon on Fridays)
  • Motorists can anticipate up to 20-minutes of additional travel time throughout the project work zone
  • The eastbound exit 205 off-ramp is a single lane exit only during construction
  • Speeds are reduced to 55 mph in the work zone
  • During daytime hours, two eastbound I-70 through-lanes will remain open
  • Temporary concrete barrier will be in place, shifting traffic into temporary alignment
  • Lanes on eastbound I-70 are reduced to 11 feet
  • Nighttime hours will vary with crews generally being off the road by 6 a.m. with single-lane and shoulder closures on I-70 in both directions
    • US 6/CO 9 will see a full closure at night with traffic being detoured to Stevens Way
  • The overlook east of Exit 203 (Frisco) will be closed for the duration of the project
I-70 Auxiliary Lanes project map
Project map area of the I-70 Auxiliary Lane Project from Frisco to Silverthorne (MP 202 to MP 207)

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!