I-70 Floyd Hill Monthly Update - October 2022

The project team has completed a review of major refinements to the I-70 alignment identified in the Preferred (Canyon Viaduct) Alternative from the 2021 Environmental Assessment (EA). 

Design innovations have been developed through the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) process. 

A summary of the refinements, including updated computer models of the design, was posted to the project website in October. 

An informational update will be distributed in early November, including a postcard mailing and email blast.

Details about the changes will be formally documented in the NEPA decision document, expected in early January 2023.

Construction Update: 

A groundbreaking ceremony took place Oct. 19, 2022 for two of the early projects: the US 40 roundabouts and the Genesee wildlife crossing. This ceremony also celebrated progress on the main project, including funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Dignitaries in attendance included Gov. Polis; U.S. Sens. John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet; U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse; I-70 Coalition Executive Director, Margaret Bowes; Clear Creek County Commissioner, Randy Wheelock; State Sen. Lisa Cutter; and CDOT Executive Director, Shoshana Lew. 

Construction of the Floyd Hill Project will take place in three major packages.  

Package 1: East Section

• Location: County Road 65 to the bottom of Floyd Hill
• Current Level of Design:  60%
• Expected Construction Start Date: Late Spring/Summer 2023

Package 2: West Section

• Location: Hidden Valley Interchange to Idaho Springs Exit 241
• Current Level of Design: 30%
• Expected Construction Start Date: Fall 2023

Package 3: Central Section

• Location: Bottom of Floyd Hill to Hidden Valley/Central City Parkway 
• Current Level of Design: 20%
• Expected Construction Start Date: Early 2024

Early Projects

Genesee Wildlife Crossing 

• Construction began in October 2022. Work for the first several months includes interim paving to shift traffic and allow for phased construction. 

US 40 Roundabouts Project 

• Contractor is preparing to start construction in early December and finish by late summer 2023.

Empire Wildlife Crossing Early Project

• Project plans are under development and advertisement for construction is expected in February 2023.
• Estimated Cost:  $7 million-$10 million  
• Construction is expected to last about 18 months.

El Rancho West Parking Lot Early Project

• Project is in design.
• The new Pegasus shuttle van stop and parking area will be located on the north side of I-70 near the I-70 El Rancho exit (Exit 252). This location allows Pegasus to use the new Express Lane and was preferred by Floyd Hill community members.