I-70 Glenwood Canyon Bridge Joints Improvement Project restarts March 16

Travel Advisory

March 11, 2026 - Northwestern Colorado - Crews will focus on remaining bridge joint structures and guardrail improvements

Garfield/Eagle Counties — The Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor KSK, LLC will resume work on the I-70 Glenwood Canyon Bridge Joint Improvement Project for the 2026 season on Monday, March 16.

Crews will focus on eight remaining bridge joint structures and guardrail improvements along the 17-mile stretch in Glenwood Canyon from Glenwood Springs, Mile Point 116, to Dotsero, MP 133. Specific work areas include structures near Hanging Lake Trailhead (Exit 125) and Shoshone Power Plant (Exit 123).

“Crews are returning after the winter shutdown to complete this vital bridge work and ensure I-70 remains a safe, reliable link for all of Colorado,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “By continuing these improvements, we are protecting a key economic artery that supports businesses and keeps our mountain communities connected. We appreciate the public’s patience as we cross the finish line to secure the long-term health of the I-70 Mountain Corridor.”

In addition, launched earlier this year, CDOT created a resource page dedicated to the I-70 Mountain Corridor—a one-stop resource for year-round driving information, road conditions, and tips for smooth, safe mountain travel. This resource brings together the best tools from COtrip.org and the COtrip Planner app in one centralized location: codot.gov/i70mountain.

Traffic Impacts

  • Work beginning on Monday, March 16 includes placement of concrete barriers to realign traffic into a single-lane configuration
  • Westbound I-70 will be reduced to one lane from near the Bair Ranch Rest Area (Exit 129) at 128.5 and before the Hanging Lake Rest Area (Exit 125), MP 126.5, to just for work on three bridge joints
  • Eastbound I-70 will be reduced to one lane from near the Shoshone Rest Area (Exit 123), MP 123, to the Hanging Lake Rest Area (Exit 125) for an additional three bridge joints
  • Daytime work hours will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday
  • The speed limit will be reduced to 35 mph through the work zone

Project Benefits

During the 2025 season, crews completed five eastbound and westbound I-70 bridge joints near Bair Ranch Rest Area (Exit 129), along with larger joint structures near Shoshone Power Plant (Exit 123). These joints connect the roadway to elevated bridge structures, allowing for the natural expansion and contraction essential for maintaining safe, durable highways. By accommodating this movement, the improvements ensure a smoother driving surface for motorists.

Project teams work on a bridge joint as part of the I-70 Glenwood Canyon Bridge Joint Improvement Project in Glenwood Canyon.
Project teams work on a bridge joint as part of the I-70 Glenwood Canyon Bridge Joint Improvement Project in Glenwood Canyon.

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 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!