Resurfacing begins on I-70 between Silverthorne and Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnels

Travel Advisory

June 4, 2024 - Northwestern Colorado - Motorists should plan for up to 15-minute delays

Summit County — The Colorado Department of Transportation has begun work on the Interstate 70 Silverthorne to Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnel Phase Two Project. Motorists should plan for 15-minute delays due to daytime lane closures and lowered speeds. Single-lane closures will be in place on Interstate 70 from Monday through Thursday. The lane closures will be in place from Mile Point 207, just east of Silverthorne, to Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnel (Mile Point 213). Occasional overnight double-lane closures will be necessary, Monday evenings through Friday mornings, to allow crews to safely complete the work. One lane of traffic will remain open in each direction during daytime and night time work. During project work, the speed limit will be lowered to 45 miles per hour. There will be no lane closures during holidays and weekends. Work will take place primarily during the day due to safety concerns, as traffic data shows speeds are must faster during the evenings and nights. Motorists should use caution in the construction zone. The project is expected to be completed in fall of 2024.

Work on the project will consist of resurfacing eastbound and westbound I-70 from Mile Point 211 to the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnel (MP 213). Additionally, crews will remove and replace over 12,000 feet of guardrail along the full length of the project (MP 207 to 213). Crews will also complete drainage improvements through the full project zone.

“This section of I-70 needs repair, due to extremely high volumes of traffic around the year. The constant freezing and thawing of water and snow melt really takes a toll,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “Creating a smooth roadway and placing new guardrails is a major element to the overall improvement of travel time reliability, safety, and mobility in the I-70 mountain corridor.”

Crews will first grind away old asphalt, then lay a new layer of asphalt on top. Additionally, crews will remove old guardrail and replace with new guardrail. APC Construction Company, of Golden, is the prime contractor for this project. This project will improve safety along the busy stretch of I-70.

Traffic Impacts

  • There are weekday single-lane closures and occasional night time double-lane closures on I-70 between Silverthorne (Mile Point 207) and the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnel (MP 213), resulting in up to 15-minute delays
  • One lane of traffic will remain open in each direction during daytime and night time work
  • Daytime work/closure hours
    • Single-lane closures
    • Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • There will be no lane closures during holidays and weekends
  • Nighttime work/closure hours
    • Double-lane closures
    • Work will take place Monday evenings through Friday mornings from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
    • There will be no lane closures during holidays and weekends
  • The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph through the work zone
  • No width restrictions are expected on vehicles through the work zone
  • Motorists should be aware, there are many projects along the I-70 mountain corridor including in the tunnel
Map of the I-70 Resurfacing Project Phase Two Work Zone from Silverthorne to Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnel
This image shows the project work zone for the I-70 Silverthorne to Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnel Phase Two project.

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

  • Call the project information line at 720.996.1367
  • Email the project team at: [email protected]

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!

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!