I-70 guardrail replacement and repairs in Glenwood Canyon this week and next week

Glenwood Canyon — The Colorado Department of Transportation is replacing guardrail on Interstate 70 in Glenwood Canyon and completing other regular maintenance. Much of the guardrail replacement is due to crashes involving commercial motor vehicles, that resulted in damaged or missing guard rail. During guardrail replacement, travelers should plan for an eastbound lane closure in locations on eastbound I-70 beginning Tuesday, April 2. Eastbound lane closures will be in effect during the work hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lane closures will start at Mile Point 116 (Glenwood Springs) and continue moving east as work is completed. Motorists should plan for lowered speeds and additional travel time during the work. Work will continue on weekdays this week and the week of April 8. Work is weather permitting. Westbound traffic will not be affected. Electronic signs in the area have information about the lane closures and additional travel time. Motorists will be able to check real time lane closures and road conditions by using COtrip.org and the free smartphone COtrip Planner app.

More than one location involves guardrail damage caused by commercial motor vehicles traveling westbound, then crashing so severely that eastbound guardrail was damaged. The new guardrail will require crews to remove current guardrail, drill into the concrete to install new guardrail bases and then install the new guardrail. The guardrail is also unique to Glenwood Canyon due to requirements for the section of I-70. Guardrail and other infrastructure must match the color of the canyon more effectively than standard guardrail in Northwest Colorado.

During work hours, crews will conduct sweeping, washing and inspection operations ahead of guardrail repair. Crews will also install curve delineation, which helps motorists navigate sharp curves on I-70 in the canyon. After two weeks of work, crews will evaluate progress and traffic impacts.

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:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• See scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

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!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!