I-70 bridge over Washington Street Improvement Project to start in May

Travel Advisory

April 28, 2023 - Central Colorado/Denver - Improvements include repairing the bridge deck and replacing the storm sewer, bridge expansion joints and median wall

Denver - The Colorado Department of Transportation, in coordination with prime contractor ABCO Contracting, will begin a bridge improvement project on the Interstate 70 bridge over Washington Street in Denver County in early May. Improvements include repairing the bridge deck and replacing the storm sewer, bridge expansion joints and median wall. These improvements are necessary to increase the bridge’s life span and provide greater safety for the traveling public.

Traffic impacts

During the month of May, the Express Lanes in both directions on I-70 over Washington Street will be closed. Crews will replace a storm sewer in the eastbound direction and repair the bridge approach slab in the westbound direction. The storm sewer must be replaced to prevent water leaking into the structure and undermining.

From June through the fall of 2023, there will be nighttime single lane closures on I-70 over Washington Street from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday through Thursday. The westbound I-70 to I-25 ramp will close intermittently. Crews will be replacing expansion joints and large steel plates will be placed on the roadway to help facilitate work.

Drivers must use extreme caution when traveling over the steel plates. Please slow down within the work zone, watch for construction vehicles entering the highway, and leave plenty of space between vehicles.

Traffic impacts are expected to be minimal with delays up to 10 minutes.

Cost and Schedule

The $1.8 million project is anticipated to be complete by the end of October 2023. The construction schedules are subject to change based on weather and resources.

Map of the I-70 bridge over Washington Street where the work will occur in Denver

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!

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