JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. — People traveling westbound on Interstate 70 in Jefferson County during the overnight hours Tuesday into Wednesday can expect a traffic shift, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).
As part of the 32nd Avenue Bridge Replacement Project, westbound I-70 traffic will be shifted back onto the new westbound I-70 bridge over 32nd Avenue. Westbound I-70 traffic has been under a temporary shift since September while crews have worked to remove and replace the westbound bridge.
Additionally, there will be full closures of 32nd Avenue sporadically over two weekends while work is being completed to remove the bridge.
According to CDOT, the project is designed to improve public safety and to add support for increased traffic on the I-70 corridor. The cost of the project is $9.3 million and it is scheduled to be completed in late 2023.
Traffic impacts
Work for the Feb. 21 traffic shift will include removing existing barriers, restriping the lanes, and realigning traffic directly onto lanes of the new westbound bridge.
- The lanes will be temporarily reduced in width to 11 feet with 2-foot shoulders.
- Drivers can expect to encounter double lane closures and short delays on westbound I-70 during the overnight shift between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Once the overnight shift is implemented, three lanes of traffic will be maintained in each direction of I-70 through the work zone.
- Drivers are urged to heed the posted speed limits and drive cautiously through the work zone.
- The schedule could change depending on weather conditions. COtrip.org will have the latest information.
Upcoming work
Removal of the existing eastbound I-70 bridge over 32nd Avenue is expected to begin by mid-March. This will entail shifting eastbound traffic outward, and removing and replacing the eastbound bridge in stages to minimize traffic impacts.
The project consists of replacing both I-70 bridges over 32nd Avenue, which have exceeded their lifespan for optimal safety and longevity. Work began in February 2022 and is expected to be complete by December.
More information about the project can be found on CDOT's webpage.
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