Extended weekend I-70 closures scheduled Sept. 18 and Sept. 25 to complete critical bridge repairs

Travel Advisory

Sept. 14, 2026 - Denver/Central Colorado - Expect significant delays up to 30 minutes or longer; alternative route advised

Jefferson County – To safely complete bridge repairs, the Colorado Department of Transportation and its contractor, Myers and Sons Construction, will implement two extended weekend closures of Interstate 70 during the weekends of Sept. 18 and Sept. 25. Each closure will last up to 83 hours while crews complete critical bridge repairs on the eastbound and westbound I-70 bridges over Kipling Street (Colorado Highway 391). Completing the work during full closures allows crews to work more efficiently, shortens the overall construction schedule and reduces repeated traffic impacts for motorists.

The first extended weekend closure of westbound I-70 will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, and end at 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22. The second extended weekend closure of eastbound I-70 will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, and end at 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29.

During the closures, I-70 traffic will be routed through the Kipling Street Interchange using the on- and off-ramps before returning to the interstate. Because the on- and off-ramps will serve as temporary I-70 travel lanes, motorists will not be able to enter or exit I-70 at Kipling Street. Kipling Street also will be closed in both directions at the interchange. Motorists should follow the posted detour via West 44th Avenue, Ward Road, West 58th Avenue/Ralston Road, and Wadsworth Boulevard.

During the westbound closure, the Wadsworth Boulevard northbound and southbound on-ramps to westbound I-70 will be closed. A detour will be in place via West 44th Avenue to Ward Road. During the eastbound closure, the Ward Road on-ramp to eastbound I-70 will be closed. A detour will be in place via West 44th Avenue to Wadsworth Boulevard. Bicyclists and pedestrians will be detoured using Garrison Street.

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

I-70 Bridge Repairs at Kipling and Garrison Extended Closure Map
Extended closure detour map for I-70 Bridge Repairs at Kipling Street in Wheat Ridge (Mile Point 267). Motorist detour via West 44th Avenue, Ward Road, West 58th Avenue/Ralston Road and Wadsworth Boulevard.

Work Schedule

Two 83-hour weekend closures of I-70 at Kipling Street will occur.

  • Westbound I-70 | 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, through 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22
    • The Wadsworth Boulevard northbound and southbound on-ramps to westbound I-70 will be closed; detour via West 44th Avenue to Ward Road
  • Eastbound I-70 | 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, and continues through 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29
    • The Ward Road on-ramp to eastbound I-70 will be closed; detour via West 44th Avenue to Wadsworth Boulevard
  • Construction activities will occur continuously, day and night, until the roadway reopens to traffic
  • Construction schedules may be impacted by weather and other unforeseen delays. A backup weekend has been identified, if needed, to complete the work:
    • 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, through 6 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6

Traffic Impacts

Motorists can anticipate the following traffic impacts during the extended weekend closures of I-70.

  • I-70 traffic will be diverted through the Kipling Street Interchange using the on- and off-ramps before returning to I-70
    • Kipling Street will be closed in both directions at the interchange with no access to exit or enter I-70
    • A detour route will be in place via West 44th Avenue, Ward Road, West 58th Avenue/Ralston Road, and Wadsworth Boulevard
    • A signed bicycle and pedestrian detour will be in place via Garrison Street
  • Traffic delays of 30 minutes or more are expected
    • Motorists should plan ahead, allow extra time when traveling through the project area or use alternate routes whenever possible
I-70 Bridge Repairs at Kipling and Garrison bicycle and pedestrian detour map
Pedestrian and bicyclist extended closure detour map for I-70 Bridge Repairs at Kipling Street in Wheat Ridge (Mile Point 267). Detour via W. 48th Avenue, Garrison Street, W. 49th Avenue and W. 50th Avenue.
 
Project location map for the I-70 Bridge Repairs at Kipling Street and Garrison Street in Wheat Ridge (Mile Point 267 to 268)
Regional reference map showing the I-70 bridge repair project location at Kipling Street and Garrison Street in Wheat Ridge, with Denver International Airport to the east and Idaho Springs to the west.

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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