Overnight closures of eastbound I-70 near Genesee

Travel Advisory

September 10, 2024 - Central Colorado - Crews to replace overhead sign for the new emergency escape ramp

Jefferson County - Eastbound I-70 near the Genesee exit (mile points 254 to 259) will be fully closed for three nights from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10 through Thursday Sept. 12. Eastbound I-70 traffic will detour onto US 40 from Genesee Park to Morrison/US 40. Eastbound I-70 shoulders in the project area are closed 24/7.

The closure is necessary for crews to replace the overhead sign bridge across eastbound I-70. This new sign is part of a project that rebuilt the emergency escape ramp.

The construction schedule could change depending on the weather and other factors. Check COtrip.org for the latest information on conditions and lane closures.

Project overview

Over the summer, CDOT completed rebuilding the eastbound I-70 Mount Vernon emergency escape ramp just east of Genesee. The project made the ramp more visible and robust for truck drivers to use in the event of an emergency such as failed brakes while traveling down the mountain corridor on eastbound I-70. Work continues on signage and other final project details this month. The emergency escape ramp is available for use with the exception of scheduled overnight closures.

Rebuilt eastbound I-70 Mount Vernon emergency escape ramp. Picture taken in June 2024.

Project Information

Phone: 303-502-1625
Email: [email protected]
Project Webpage: Eastbound I-70 Mount Vernon Emergency Escape Ramp Reconstruction — Colorado Department of Transportation (codot.gov)

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:

Road conditions and travel information website: COtrip.org
Chain and traction law information: codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw
Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
See scheduled lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
Weather forecasts: www.weather.gov
Check avalanche conditions at CAIC: www.avalanche.state.co.us

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!