Improvements at I-70 Eagle Interchange Benefit from Innovative Contracting

July 23, 2013 - Northwestern Colorado/CDOT Region 3 - Project update this week, impacts on Eby Creek Road.

EAGLE COUNTY — The I-70 Eagle Interchange project moves into its second week of construction with some work on connecting roadways (details below). The Colorado Department of Transportation and the Town of Eagle have partnered to improve safety and traffic flow at this interchange through roadway upgrades and the addition of a new pedestrian bridge. Construction is slated for completion in October 2014.

CDOT is utilizing an innovative contracting method known as Contract Management/General Contracting (CMGC) to meet the varied design, construction and phasing needs of this multi-phased project.

“We are excited to get this high-priority partnership project underway,” CDOT Resident Engineer Martha Miller said. “And using the CMGC process enables us to work with our contractor through design and construction to get a quality project with the best value.”

Flatiron Constructors Inc. was awarded a $7.3 million CMGC contract for this project. The company has worked with the project team since January 2013 to design and now construct the interchange improvements. As work progresses, the CMCG team will continue to make so-called “Value Engineering” modifications that will result in improved project quality, value and construction phasing.

Funding for the I-70 Eagle Interchange improvements comes from the Town of Eagle, CDOT (including FASTER*) and federal sources. The project involves upgrading the I-70 Eagle interchange and portions of Eby Creek Road by constructing roundabouts at ramp intersections and a pedestrian bridge over I-70. Crews began the first phase of construction on July 16, starting with removal of the existing medians and construction of temporary pavement on the interstate ramps.

GENERAL TRAVEL IMPACTS – (For weekly lane closure reports, posted each Friday, please consult the project web page or sign up to receive updates; details below.) Normal construction hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and motorists should anticipate some single-lane reductions at the interchange throughout the duration of construction.

This week: This Wednesday, July 24 through Friday, July 26, Eby Creek Road will undergo median removal between the hours of 7 a.m and 3 p.m. Construction will take place on Eby Creek Road between Chambers and I-70, resulting in northbound and southbound single-lane closures, leaving one lane open in each direction.

Night work: Night and early morning work will occur to facilitate the installation of a new waterline.  From Tuesday, July 23, at 11:00 p.m., to Wednesday, July 24, at 5 a.m., Loren Lane will be closed.

During the nights of Wednesday, July 24, and Thursday, July 25, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., Eby Creek Road will have single-lane, alternating traffic as a waterline is installed across the road. The Loaf and Jug entrance off of Eby Creek Road will be closed entirely between 4 a.m and 12 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24.

Traffic Switch: On Friday, July 26, this first phase will be completed, followed with a minor traffic shift of the existing travel lanes.  PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE NEW TRAFFIC CONFIGURATION ON FRIDAY, AND DRIVE CAUTIOUSLY.

The second phase of construction will immediately begin on Friday and continue to September/October 2013. Phase 2 construction will include:

  • Construction of the west half of the Eby Creek Road new roadway between I-70 and Chambers
  • New underground utilities between I-70 and Chambers
  • Construction of new off ramps at I-70
  • Construction on the north side between I-70 and Market Street

PROJECT QUESTIONS & UPDATES: Information on the project is available at: 970-432.7876 or by writing to [email protected]. To receive project updates (and also real-time updates about road conditions in your area), visit www.coloradodot.info and click on the green cell phone icon in the upper right hand corner of the page. Follow the instructions to sign up for “I-70 Eagle” on the Projects list (and any other highway or project of interest). Information about weekly lane closures statewide is available at www.coloradodot.info/travel/scheduled-lane-closures.html. Up to date road conditions statewide are available at www.cotrip.org or by calling 511 from anywhere in the state. CDOT updates are also available via Twitter @coloradodot; be sure to “Like” our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/coloradodot.

*Monies collected under the FASTER Safety Fund are to be used for construction, reconstruction, or maintenance projects that the Transportation Commission, a county or municipality determine are needed to enhance the safety of a state highway, county road, or city street. For more information please see:  www.coloradodot.info/projects/faster.

TRANSPORTATION MATTERS - Additional transportation funding allows CDOT to increase safety on our roads, particularly in rural areas, by adding shoulders and passing lanes, straightening curves, improving intersections and interchanges, reducing the hazards of rockfall and installing message signs that provide real-time highway conditions.