IDAHO SPRINGS, Colo. — Lane closures on Interstate 70 will cause lengthy delays for drivers traveling in the mountains early this week, said the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).
Westbound and eastbound lanes on I-70 will be closed in the Idaho Springs area (Mile Point 241 to Mile Point 239) for a repaving project during these times:
- 3 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday, one westbound lane closed
- 8 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday night, one eastbound lane closed
- 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, one westbound lane closed
The schedule above could change depending on the weather.
CDOT said motorists could expect a delay of up to two hours during peak travel times.
Drivers are advised to avoid the area during construction, if possible.
This project is to get as much paving done for the Mountain Express Lane as possible before temperatures and snow prevent and further progress, CDOT said.
The paving work could only be done during daytime hours, and closures will continue through the night, CDOT said.
About the Mountain Express Lane project
The new Express Lane is estimated for early 2021 depending on the weather and other factors. Once the new Express Lane opens, tolls will be waived until summer or fall of 2021 when the tolling infrastructure is in place and has been tested.
When completed, there will be an Express Lane on westbound I-70 from the Veterans Memorial Tunnels to the Empire Interchange. Similar to the eastbound lane already in use, this 12-mile long managed lane will feature traffic management systems to reduce congestion and provide westbound drivers with a reliable, time-saving option during peak travel periods. The project is also improving the alignment of the road and repaving the surface to improve safety and make for a smoother drive.
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