I-70 Noise Wall Replacement in Denver

About the Project

In early December 2021, CDOT and Kraemer North America, LLC will begin work on the Interstate 70 Noise Wall Replacement Project between Tennyson Street and Lowell Boulevard. The project will remove the existing timber noise wall, which is significantly degraded, and replace it with a series of new precast concrete wall panels. The project will significantly improve the overall look of the highway, as well as continue noise reduction by blocking the direct travel of sound waves from the highway to the adjacent homes. Work on this phase is expected to be completed by August of 2022.

Timeline:

Estimated project schedule, dependent on weather and material availability

• Late October to December 2021:
• Preliminary work prior to construction, such as utility location, tree removal, and offsite fabrication of the new wall panels. This planning and preliminary work will greatly minimize the duration in which the neighborhood is without a noise barrier.
• Mid January to June 2022:
• Demolition of existing timber walls on the north side of I-70 starting at Tennyson Street moving east to Lowell Boulevard. Installation of wall foundation and posts, followed by placing new concrete wall panels on the north side of I-70 moving west to east.
• March to July 2022:
• Demolition of existing timber walls on the south side of I-70 starting at Lowell Boulevard moving west to Tennyson Street. Installation of wall foundation and posts, followed by placing new concrete wall panels on the south side of I-70 moving east to west.
• July to August 2022:
• Landscaping restoration to reseed and plant trees in the area.

Work Schedule

• Crews will begin performing preliminary work the week of Oct. 24.
• This work will consist of potholing, mowing, and other preliminary work prior to larger demolition and earth-disturbing activities.  
• Significant on site work is planned to begin in December when materials are assembled and offsite concrete wall panel fabrication is well under way. This planning will also minimize the duration in which the neighborhood is without a noise barrier.

Traffic Impacts

Starting in early December, motorists and nearby residents should expect:

• Right shoulder closures on east and westbound I-70 between Lowell Boulevard and Tennyson Street.
• Single lane closures on West 48th Avenue North and West 48th Avenue South.
• Periodic daytime full closures of West 48th Avenue North and West 48th Avenue South will occur during installation of the new concrete wall panels. Motorists are encouraged to use an alternate route during these closures.
• Variable message sign boards will be placed in the neighborhoods in advance of lane closures.
• Residents near I-70 should expect typical construction noise during working hours.
• There will NOT be a temporary barrier in place between timber wall demolition and new concrete wall placement.

Daytime work hours are Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Potential nighttime work could take place.

Subsequent I-70 Wall Updates:

This project is the first of two phases to replace the existing timber walls within the area. The remaining noise wall replacement on I-70, which will include all other existing noise walls between I-76 and Pecos St, received design and construction funds in late 2021. The design process is currently underway and is expected to continue through 2023, with construction expected to begin in January 2024, weather permitting.