Expect traffic impacts on US 40 and I-70 at Genesee for wildlife underpass work, weeks of Feb. 5 & 12

Travel Advisory

February 1, 2024 - Denver/Central Colorado - Wildlife Underpass project will require full closures of the Genesee on-ramp in early February.

Jefferson County — As part of the I-70 & Genesee Wildlife Underpass project which spans I-70 between Genesee (Exit 254) and Lookout Mountain (Exit 256), the Colorado Department of Transportation will require full closures of the Genesee on-ramp to westbound I-70 and US 40 in early February. These closures are necessary for roadway excavation to install a structure, grates (similar to cattle guard), and fencing to guide wildlife to the new underpass. No local access or driveways will be blocked during these closures.

Traffic Impacts:

7 a.m., Monday, Feb. 5, to 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 8 - Full closure of eastbound and westbound US 40 between Genesee and Lookout Mountain. Detour: To access eastbound US 40, use eastbound I-70 to Lookout Mountain (Exit 254). Motorists on westbound US 40 can access local side streets but cannot reach the Genesee and Mount Vernon interchange.

7 a.m., Monday, Feb. 12, to 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb.15 - Full closure of the Genesee on-ramp to westbound I-70. Detour: Motorists must travel on eastbound US 40 or eastbound I-70 and use the Lookout Mountain (Exit 256) on-ramp to westbound I-70.

US 40 Detour Maps-01-6
US 40 closure detour map.
US 40 Detour Maps-02-6
On-ramp detour map.

Project Contact Information

For additional information about this project, contact the project team.

Work Completed

Crews have placed both the eastbound and westbound wildlife underpass structures. Additionally, the majority of the wildlife fencing has been placed. The project remains on schedule to be completed in spring 2024. The remaining work includes completing excavation under the overpass, installing wildlife cameras, and some other finishing touches.

About the Project

I-70 & Genesee Wildlife Underpass project includes construction of a wildlife underpass at approximately I-70 Mile Point 254.5 which is in between the exits for Lookout Mountain and Genesee. This area has been identified as a hotspot for wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVC) and has the highest number of WVCs on I-70 east of the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnel. Wildlife fencing will be placed along both sides of I-70 (north and south) and extend from the I-70 and Genesee Exit (Exit 254) to the I-70 and Lookout Mountain Exit (Exit 256). Construction began in November 2022 and is scheduled to be completed in spring 2024.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!