I-70 Floyd Hill Project Begins with $900 Million Price Tag

$900 million — that's the price tag for the Floyd Hill project on I-70. This 8-mile stretch between Evergreen and Idaho Springs will see significant changes. Construction began in 2023 and will last until 2029.

The project's goal is to widen the canyon, build new bridges, and remove a bottleneck on westbound I-70. Crews are working on a cast-in-place segmental bridge — it will carry the new westbound alignment. They're building it above live traffic, which will continue until mid-2027.

Drivers, expect disruptions. Temporary lane and ramp closures, traffic holds for rock blasting, and new traffic patterns are all part of the plan. Narrowed lanes and reduced speeds will be the norm. Flaggers and alternating traffic will be used on U.S. Highway 40 near Floyd Hill.

Rock blasting will happen Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Fridays, 9 a.m. to noon. These blasts will cause 20-minute traffic holds. Austyn Dineen, CDOT communications manager, says drivers should be prepared for significant roadway impacts.

Other projects on I-70 will also affect traffic. A new interchange at Exit 203 to Frisco and bridge repairs through Glenwood Canyon will cause delays and lane closures. Dineen notes that hot, dry conditions this past winter mean elevated fire danger this summer. Drivers should dispose of cigarette butts properly and secure chains to prevent sparks.

The project is just one part of the construction on I-70. West Vail Pass is seeing work on a new bridge. This project, along with others, will impact summer travel.

CDOT expects traffic impacts, they're not hiding that. What they're not saying is how these projects will affect local businesses. Will the traffic delays hurt sales? That's a question for another time.

For now, drivers can sign up for text alerts about the Floyd Hill Project. Text "floydhill" to 21000 or visit CODOT.gov/projects/i70floydhill. This will give you the latest information on traffic patterns and closures.

Make no mistake, construction on I-70 will be a challenge for drivers. The short version: expect delays, and plan accordingly. Worth watching: how these projects affect the local community.

Read that again: $900 million. That's what this project will cost. It's a significant investment in the state's infrastructure. The outcome of this investment will be measured in years to come.

The Colorado Department of Transportation is pushing forward with these projects. They're not apologizing for the disruptions; they're just warning drivers. Folks around here know that construction is a necessary evil. It's just a matter of getting through it.

This summer, drivers will see significant changes on I-70. The construction will impact traffic. It's not going to be easy - but it's happening. People in the valley will have to adapt.

CDOT's Austyn Dineen says the department expects elevated fire danger this summer. They're warning drivers to be careful. This is not a drill. The fire danger is real. and it's not just about the construction.

The community will have to come together to get through this. It's not just about the traffic, it's about the local businesses, the residents, and the visitors. Everyone will be affected.

The construction on I-70 is a big deal. It's a huge investment; and it's going to change the landscape of the state. For better or worse, it's happening. Neighbors, get ready.