I-70 bridge repairs at Kipling and Garrison begin in early August

Jefferson County — The Colorado Department of Transportation and its contracting partner, Myers and Sons Construction, will repair three bridges on Interstate 70, including the eastbound and westbound bridges over Kipling Street (Colorado Highway 391) and the westbound bridge over Garrison Street. The project is anticipated to be completed in late October.

Work on the Kipling Street bridges will include hydro-demolition, a process that uses high-pressure water to remove damaged concrete and prepare the bridge decks for repairs. To safely complete Kipling bridge repairs, CDOT will implement extended weekend closures of I-70 in September.

During the closures, I-70 traffic will use the ramps as temporary travel lanes through the interchange before returning to the interstate. Motorists will not be able to enter or exit I-70 at Kipling Street, and Kipling Street will be closed to northbound and southbound traffic at the interchange. Signed detours will be in place. Crews will work continuously, day and night, to complete the critical repairs. Motorists should expect delays of 30 minutes or longer and are encouraged to plan ahead or use alternate routes.

In preparation for traffic being diverted off I-70 and onto the Kipling Street ramps during these closures, crews are currently working on the shoulders of the eastbound off-ramp and westbound on-ramp to widen the ramps and improve pavement at the interchange. Once work on these ramps is complete, crews will transition to the remaining ramps. This work will require full overnight closures of the Kipling Street on- and off-ramps for shoulder paving beginning the week of Aug. 16.

Traditional bridge rehabilitation work will begin Aug. 25 on the westbound I-70 bridge over Garrison Street. Crews will begin with an inspection to evaluate the condition of the bridge and identify areas requiring attention. Repairs will then be completed as needed based on the inspection findings. During this work, motorists can anticipate lane reductions on I-70, with eastbound I-70 reduced to one lane and westbound I-70 reduced to two lanes.

“Maintaining Colorado's bridges is essential to providing a safe and reliable transportation system," said Regional Transportation Director Jessica Myklebust “This project will improve the condition of these bridges, and reduce unexpected emergency repairs, while helping ensure I-70 through Wheat Ridge continues to safely serve the thousands of motorists who travel the corridor every day."

I-70 is one of Colorado’s most critical freight corridors, supporting the safe and efficient movement of goods across the state and throughout the region. This investment helps preserve and improve this vital transportation route, ensuring the corridor remains reliable for the trucking industry, local communities and the traveling public.

To receive updates on construction activities, travel impacts and project schedules, visit the project website to sign up for email and text alerts.

Work Schedule

• Overnight work is scheduled from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday. Only the planned extended weekend closures will occur outside of these hours
• During I-70 closures, construction activities will occur continuously, day and night, until the roadway reopens to traffic
• Construction schedules may be impacted by weather and other unanticipated delays

Traffic Impacts

Motorists can anticipate the following overnight traffic impacts:

• Single-lane closures on eastbound and westbound I-70
• Single-lane closures on the Kipling Street on- and off-ramps
• Full closures of the Kipling Street on- and off-ramps
• During bridge repairs over Garrison Street, the following traffic impacts will occur:
  • Eastbound I-70: Reduced to one lane
  • Westbound I-70: Reduced to two lanes
• Extended weekend closures of I-70 at Kipling Street will occur in September
  • I-70 traffic will be diverted through the Kipling Street Interchange using the on- and off-ramps before returning to I-70
  • The on- and off-ramps will act as a continuous lane, so motorists will not be able to enter or exit I-70 at Kipling Street
  • Northbound and southbound Kipling Street traffic will be detoured around the I-70 interchange during the weekend closures
    • A detour for bicyclists and pedestrians will be in place at Garrison Street
  • Major traffic delays are expected during the weekend closures
  • Motorists should plan ahead, allow extra time when traveling through the project area or use alternate routes whenever possible

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

• Call the project information line at 720-845-6267
• Email the project team at: [email protected]
• Visit the project website at: codot.gov/projects/i70kiplinggarrisonbridge
• Sign up for project text alerts: text I70REPAIRS to 21000

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:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• Check scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

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!