Motorists can expect a full closure of both directions of Ward Road under I-70 Nov. 3 through 7 during bridge removal work

Project Update

November 1, 2023 - Denver/Central Colorado - This event marks a major milestone and the start of Phase Two of this bridge replacement project

Jefferson County — As part of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s I-70 over Ward Road Bridge Replacement project, crews will remove the westbound I-70 bridge structure over a 3.5-day period from 8 p.m. Nov. 3 through 6 a.m. Nov. 7. This safety critical work will require a several day full closure of both directions of Ward Road under the I-70 bridges, with detour routes in place. The removal process will only impact Ward Road. Both directions of I-70 and the on and off ramps will remain open. While the westbound I-70 on and off ramps at Ward Road will remain open during the bridge removal work, access via W. 44th Ave. will be restricted until Nov. 7 when Ward Road reopens.

The removal of the westbound I-70 bridge marks a major milestone and the start of Phase Two of this important infrastructure project. Once the demolition of the existing westbound I-70 bridge is complete, activities will transition to constructing its replacement. During this work, daytime and periodic lane closures will be taken on Ward Road and overnight lane closures will occur on I-70. Three lanes of travel will be maintained in both directions of I-70 through the work zone.

Traffic Impacts

Full closure of Ward Road/CO 72 during westbound bridge demolition:

  • Both directions of Ward Road/CO 72 under the I-70 bridges will be continuously closed from 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3 to approx. 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7
  • The full closure of Ward Road will impact access to the westbound I-70 on ramp from W. 44th Ave, and access to W. 44th Ave from the westbound I-70 Ward Road off-ramp at Exit 266, as well as through traffic in both directions of Ward Road
    • The suggested detour route to access westbound I-70 is: W. 44th Ave. to Youngfield St., and west to W. 40th Ave. to Clear Creek Drive to enter westbound I-70 at Exit 264 (Clear Creek Dr/32nd Ave)
    • The detour will add approximately two miles/five minutes to travel times.
  • Flaggers and uniformed traffic control personnel will be present during safety critical work
  • Detour signage and devices will be present to direct traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians to alternate routes
  • There will be no pedestrian or cyclist access to and from Ward Road under I-70 during the demolition work
  • Cyclists should follow the posted vehicular detour routes to bypass the full closure
  • No pedestrian access will be permitted for safety reasons
  • CDOT will reopen single lanes of Ward Road sooner if work is completed ahead of schedule

During the demolition work, area residents and businesses can expect higher levels of construction related noise and evening use of light plants for illumination. CDOT and contract partner Lobato Construction greatly appreciate the public’s understanding during these temporary disruptions while they work to replace the bridge and make infrastructure improvements along the I-70 corridor.

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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