I-70 Essential Wall Repair to begin first week of May in Dowd Canyon

Project Update

April 25, 2024 - Northwestern Colorado - Motorists should expect westbound shoulder closures and minimal delays

Eagle County — The Colorado Department of Transportation and prime contractor, Siete Inc., will begin a median wall replacement project along Interstate 70 starting in early May. Work will take place in Dowd Canyon, between Avon and West Vail and from Mile Point 169.5 to MP 171.5. The project continues on I-70 over the junction with US Highway 6.

Crews will be removing the existing median wall between east and westbound lanes and replacing it with a Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) wall. Additional light paving, striping and electrical operations will accompany the wall replacement. The project will not only protect the future integrity of the roadway, but will also enhance the aesthetics of the corridor for a safer and more enjoyable driving experience. Work is scheduled for completion in October of this year.

Motorists can expect a closure of the US 6 to westbound I-70 on ramp from May 6 to August 18. Drivers will be rerouted on eastbound I-70 toward West Vail, to exit 173, under the interstate on Chamonix Road to the westbound I-70 on-ramp.

Travelers to and from Leadville can avoid this and other nearby construction projects by using Colorado Highway 91 and Interstate 70.

Nearby CDOT Projects

There are several CDOT projects in the area during the 2024 construction season. Travelers are encouraged to check COtrip.org for the most up-to-date information about traffic impacts and to select the best route. Projects are the US 6 and Post Boulevard Roundabout, I-70 Mile Point 170.5 Essential Wall Repair Project, I-70 Dowd Canyon Variable Speed Limit Sign Project,and the US 24 Resurfacing south of Minturn project. All four projects will be underway by June 2024.

Traffic Impacts

Motorists and area residents can expect the following impacts during construction:

  • A closure of the US 6 to westbound I-70 on ramp will be in place from May 6 to August 18. Drivers will be rerouted on eastbound I-70 toward West Vail, to exit 173, under the interstate on Chamonix Road to the westbound I-70 on-ramp
  • Work will occur primarily during daytime hours, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some nighttime operations may take place as needed
  • During daytime hours, drivers can expect westbound shoulder closures with minimal impacts to traffic. Single lane closures are anticipated for the occasional nighttime operations
  • Reduced speeds in the work zone
  • Intermittent single lane closures may be necessary on US 6 with flagging operations in place
  • Construction schedules are weather dependent
  • The project is anticipated to be complete in October of this year
Project map of the I-70 Eagle Essential Wall Repair project work zone located on I-70 over the junction at US 24
Project map of the I-70 Eagle Essential Wall Repair project work zone located on I-70 over the junction at US 24 between Mile Points 169.5 and 171.5.
Detour map for the I-70 Eagle Essential Wall Repair project
Colorado Department of Transportation detour map for the I-70 Eagle Essential Wall Repair project. The US 6 to westbound I-70 on ramp will be closed. Drivers will be rerouted on eastbound I-70 toward West Vail, to exit 173, under the interstate on Chamonix Road to the westbound I-70 on-ramp.

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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