CDOT prepares for winter shutdown on the I-70 Exit 203 Interchange Project in Frisco

Project Announcement

Oct. 28, 2026 - Summit County - The project winter shutdown configuration on Friday, Oct. 30

Summit County — The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and prime contractor Zak Dirt are wrapping-up operations in preparation for the winter season on the I-70 Exit 203 Interchange project in Frisco. Work began in the spring of 2026, with an expected completion date of October 2027.

Currently, crews are completing final paving, striping, signage and site cleanup ahead of the scheduled winter shutdown on Friday, Oct. 30. Season two of the project's construction is expected to resume in April 2027.

“Our team and contractors worked diligently in all conditions and around the clock to minimize impacts to the traveling public while making significant headway on this critical safety project,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “We are proud of our teams for having two lanes of travel fully open in both directions on Highway 9 in time for ski season. We want to thank the Summit County community, local businesses, and the millions of travelers who visit this beautiful region each summer for their support as this gateway undergoes a major transformation to accommodate the next 20 years of traffic growth.”

A major milestone reached during initial construction was the completion of the new underpass bridge and full-width bridge deck on Colorado Highway 9 (CO 9). The new bridge deck accommodates two lanes of travel in each direction, allowing all lanes to remain operational throughout the winter while providing a safer traffic configuration for the popular winter season travel.

Additional improvements completed or advanced during the 2026 season include:

  • Widening all on- and off-ramps at Exit 203 to accommodate future lane changes during season two construction
  • Installing stormwater and sanitary sewer drainage-line improvements
  • Constructing retaining walls to stabilize slopes and support the roadway
  • Building foundation to widen the existing I-70 bridge, also planned for season two
  • Constructing a stormwater detention pond near Dillon Dam Road

When construction resumes in April 2027, crews will focus on widening the existing bridge over I-70 and building the new frontage road connecting Dillon Dam Road and Lusher Court. The project also includes constructing two roundabouts - one at each end of the new frontage road - and replacing the existing roundabout at the I-70 interchange with a signalized intersection.

In addition, the Lusher Court and Dillon Dam Road traffic signal will be removed, and cyclists and pedestrians will cross under CO 9 via the new underpass. These improvements are designed to enhance safety and traffic flow, particularly for vehicles traveling from the westbound I-70 off-ramp onto southbound CO 9.

Once complete, the interchange improvement project is expected to enhance safety, mobility and traffic flow by reconfiguring an area that historically experiences heavy peak-hour congestion. The project also introduces multi-use paths along the frontage road and across I-70, connecting directly to existing trail networks.

To learn more or view a design simulation showcasing the upcoming safety and operational improvements, visit the project website at codot.gov/projects/i70-exit203-interchange-frisco.

New I-70 bridge deck with two lanes of traffic in each direction
The new bridge deck accommodates two lanes of traffic in each direction ahead of winter travel season.

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!

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