I-70 Rulison to West Rifle resurfacing project begins May 4

Project Announcement

April 28, 2026 - Northwestern Colorado - Motorists should plan for 20-minute delays

Garfield County — The Colorado Department of Transportation and contracting partner, Quikrete Materials, will begin a resurfacing project Monday, May 4, along Interstate 70 from Rulison to West Rifle. The project has an anticipated completion date of mid-September.

The project will improve approximately five miles of I-70 from Rulison Exit 81, Mile Point 81.6, to West Rifle Exit 87, MP 86.6. Roadway work will include travel lane asphalt leveling and overlay, guardrail replacement, bridge repairs and striping. Crews will also perform settlement repairs on the eastbound and westbound travel lanes near West Rifle.

“I-70 from Rulison to West Rifle is a vital portion of the western Colorado corridor, enabling reliable travel, movement of goods and ensuring access for local communities,” said Shoshana Lew, CDOT Executive Director. “This road resurfacing project will add more than a decade of life to the interstate and provide a better, safer driving experience for motorists.”

Other benefits of the project include installation of new guardrail that will be 31 inches high, designed to meet updated safety standards. The higher railing will help vehicles that veer off course remain on the roadway more effectively, making the interstate safer for the traveling public.

Travel Impacts

Daytime work hours will start 30 minutes after sunrise and remain until 30 minutes before sunset Monday through Friday with occasional work on Saturday.

Traffic impacts will include:

  • Daily eastbound and westbound single-lane closure
  • Daily 12-foot width restriction (wide load detour from I-70 onto US Highway 6, eastbound use Exit 81 and westbound use Exit 87)
  • 20-minute delays
  • Speed reduction to 55 MPH
Map depicting the start and finish points on I-70 for the Rulison to West Rifle resurfacing project
Map depicting the start and finish points on I-70 for the Rulison to West Rifle resurfacing project

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

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 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!