I-70 Bridges over Ward Road

About the Project

April 27, 2025: Crews will return to perform final striping and finishing work. Work will last for about four weeks.

This state funded project is part of CDOT’s 10-Year Plan and is designed to replace two aging bridges on I-70 over Ward Road 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 2 and 3 will include removing and replacing both bridges and making safety improvements, with an expected duration of 12 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 Street) and Exit 264 (32nd Avenue). 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 West 44th Avenue 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.

Project Facts

  • Cost: $16.4 Million
  • Contractor: Lobato Construction
  • Timeline: February 2023 to late December 2024 with return on April 27, 2025 for finishing work
  • Location: I-70 over Ward Road (Exit 266 Ward Road/CO 72)
    • City: Wheat Ridge
    • Mile Points: MP 265 to 266.5 on I-70
    • Mile Points: MP 0 to 0.25 on Ward Road (West 44th Avenue)
Ward Road map
Project location and limits of the I-70 over Ward Road Bridge Replacement project in Wheat Ridge.

Project Benefits

  • Replace aging bridges with a single structure built to today's standards
  • The new bridge will be wider and more durable, with a lifespan of 75 years
  • Safety guardrail, wider shoulders and other features will be added

Work Schedule

  • Work began in late February 2023, reached substantial completion by December 2024 and returns on April 27, 2025 for finishing work
  • Working hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday and 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday to Thursday

Traffic Impacts

Motorists can expect the following during construction:

  • Overnight closures of the westbound I-70 on ramp at Ward Road and the eastbound CO 58 on ramp to eastbound I-70 will be in place, as needed
  • Daytime and overnight lane closures in both directions of Ward Road/CO 72 under I-70 from 44th Avenue to the westbound I-70 interchange
  • Occasional lane closures will exist overnight on I-70 from MP 266.5 to 265 for equipment mobilization and access to the site
  • Reduced speeds, traffic shifts and narrowed lanes can be expected
  • Please refer to COtrip.org for weekly lane closures and real-time travel conditions