I-70 Bridges over Ward Road

About the Project:

This state funded project is part of CDOT’s 10-Year Plan and is designed to replace two aging bridges to support increased traffic on the I-70 corridor. It is also the third of several planned bridge replacement projects along I-70 and signifies CDOT’s commitment to upgrading vital infrastructure to maintain public safety.

Built in the 1960s, the structures have undergone frequent repairs and maintenance over the years. Age, heavy usage, and seasonal weather have all contributed to both bridges reaching the end of their lifespans and being replaced to meet today’s standards. Work will be performed in four phases with a completion date of late 2024.

The first phase of the project entails setting temporary barrier, filling in the median between both bridges, and shifting traffic along mainline I-70. This phase is expected to last until late summer, with minor impacts to traffic on I-70 and Ward Road.

Phases II and III will include removing and replacing both bridges and making safety improvements, with an expected duration of twelve months. During this safety critical portion of the project’s work, motorists can expect lane closures and traffic impacts on both I-70 and Ward Road during overnight hours, and to plan for delays and exercise caution along a six-mile stretch of I-70 that includes bridge replacement work at Exit 270 (Harlan St.) and Exit 264 (32nd Ave). Occasional full closures of Ward Road under I-70 can also be expected during bridge removal and girder placement work. During these closures, detours will be in place to safely route traffic.

The fourth phase of the project includes resurfacing Ward Road from W. 44th Ave. to the I-70 interchange which is estimated to take approximately one month. CDOT anticipates some lane closures and other minor impacts to travel during this final phase of work.

View the I-70 Ward Road Bridges Project Overview Presentation

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Work Schedule:

• Work is expected to begin in late February 2023 and last until November 2024.
• Working hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday with safety critical work performed overnight.

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Traffic Impacts:

Motorists can expect the following:

• Overnight lane closures in both directions of I-70 during certain work activities.
• Three lanes of traffic will be maintained in both directions of I-70 during daytime hours.
• Traffic shifts, narrowed lanes and reduced speeds through the work zone.
• Width restriction of 11-feet on I-70 will be in place 24/7.
• Occasional full closures of Ward Road under I-70 during safety critical work such as removal of bridges and placement of girders.
• Variable message boards, signs and devices will be present at the approaches to the work zone to alert motorists to the work underway, closures and restrictions
• During full closures of Ward Road, traffic will be detoured to W. 44th Ave. or Kipling St.
• Other detour routes do exist.
• Delays on I-70 can be expected due to other current I-70 bridge replacement projects at Exit 264 (32nd Avenue) and Exit 270 (Harlan Street).
• Motorists may also encounter brief delays and traffic shifts during daytime hours due to a current resurfacing project along Ward Road from 58th Avenue to the I-70 interchange

Please refer to COtrip.org for real-time travel conditions and road closures.