Upcoming I-70 & US 40 traffic holds near El Rancho for rock blasting

Travel Advisory

August 6, 2024 - Central Colorado - For real time notifications about rock blasting, text floydhill to 21000

Jefferson County - The Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor partner, Kraemer North America, will perform rock blasting to break up rock and flatten the area for the future I-70 El Rancho Pegasus Shuttle Stop and Parking Lot along I-70 at El Rancho (Exit 251) near Evergreen. An estimated four rock blasts and corresponding traffic holds on I-70 and US 40 will be required for this work.

    Traffic Impacts

    • Rock blasting will take place the weeks of Aug. 12 and 19
    • Motorists can expect traffic holds of up to 20 minutes long and delays up to 45 minutes as the traffic queues clear
    • Blasts will occur once per day, and up to twice per week, Monday through Thursday, between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    • Traffic hold locations: Eastbound I-70 traffic will be stopped just east of County Road 65 (Exit 248). Westbound I-70 traffic will be stopped at the Genesee Wildlife Crossing (between Exits 254 and 256). US 40 traffic will be stopped north and south of I-70

    A series of air horn blasts will precede each detonation to warn people in the area. Know before you go and opt into text alerts by texting floydhill (lowercase, one word) to 21000 and sign up for project emails by visiting our website: codot.gov/projects/i70floydhill. Call our hotline (720-994-2368) to learn about weekly traffic impacts.

    There will not be a traffic detour in place during rock blasting—motorists are asked to stay on I-70.

    Map of the rock blasting location near I-70 and El Rancho (Exit 251) along with the eastbound and westbound I-70 traffic hold locations
    Map depicting the rock blasting location near I-70 and El Rancho (Exit 251) along with the eastbound and westbound I-70 traffic hold locations.

    Looking Ahead

    The I-70 Floyd Hill Project will require rock scaling and blasting along I-70 between the Veterans Memorial Tunnels and Homestead Road (Exit 247) starting in mid-September 2024. Please see below on the various ways to stay informed on this upcoming work and the project in general.

    Stay Informed

    About the Project

    The I-70 El Rancho Pegasus Shuttle Stop, an I-70 Floyd Hill Early Project, will build a new Pegasus shuttle stop and 40-spot parking lot for transit users on the I-70 mountain corridor, adding another location to the Pegasus shuttle network. Crews will also install infrastructure to facilitate future electric vehicle charging. This work began in July 2024 and is expected to conclude in December 2024. To learn more about the Colorado Department of Transportation's Pegasus shuttle, visit ridebustang.com/pegasus-shuttle-van.

    Know Before You Go

    Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts, anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions before hitting the road. CDOT and other 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!

    Download the COtrip App!

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