Improving Highway Communications

April 18, 2011 - Northwestern Colorado/CDOT Region 3 - CDOT Upgrades more electronic variable message signs on I-70 West.

MESA/GARFIELD/EAGLE COUNTIES – Colorado Department of Transportation Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) division continues its multi-phased project to upgrade electronic Variable Message Signs (VMS) in several locations along the I-70 west corridor (from Grand Junction to Vail Pass.) These upgraded VMS boards are approximately 26 feet long and 8.6 feet high and are cantilevered over traffic lanes. Replacing obsolete equipment with the new signs allows CDOT to better meet newer network standards and requirements, improve message display (e.g., pixels, characters and LED technology) and more effectively communicate with the traveling public.

The four signs being installed during this phase of work all serve eastbound I-70 traffic—however, current work on sign structures, conduit placement and guardrail work can also affect westbound traffic. (Sometime in June, when the signs are installed, there will be a full closure of eastbound lanes during a single night at each location—notice of that closure will be sent at a later date.)

TRAVEL IMPACTS:  Current Sign Installation Locations and Travel Impacts (schedule subject to change based upon weather and soil conditions):

1.         I-70 Horizon Drive, Grand Junction (MP 32.30): Caisson work has been completed; no lane closures but occasional shoulder closures for eastbound travel.

2.         I-70 at Vail (MP 173): Underground work (conduit/boring), single-lane closure for westbound traffic Tuesday and Wednesday, April 19-20, from 8:00AM – 3:00PM

3.         I-70 at Edwards (MP 162.30): Underground work (conduit/boring), single-lane closure for westbound traffic Thursday, April 21, from 9:00AM – 4:00PM.

4.         I-70 at No Name (MP 119): This location will get a sign installation later in June.

Each VMS installation costs approximately $250,000 to $300,000 depending of the location.

The cost includes a foundation, steel structure, wiring and labor. (At No Name, where the structure already exists, the cost will be approximately $120,000 for the sign only.) The contractor for the installation work is Glaser Electric Company, Inc.

Motorists are urged to slow down and drive cautiously through these nighttime work zones, for everyone’s safety. For information on other CDOT projects statewide, the public may log on to www.cotrip.org or call 511 from anywhere in the state. In addition, media and the public are encouraged to sign up for free e-mail/wireless alert messages regarding highway conditions in any chosen area – go to www.coloradodot.info and choose the green phone icon in the upper right-hand corner.

Thank you for going Slow for the Cone Zone!