The Colorado Department of Transportation announced on Mar. 26 that construction has started on a new westbound Interstate 70 alignment as part of the I-70 Floyd Hill Project in Clear Creek County. The project involves building a cast-in-place segmental bridge, known as “The Live Lift,” which will carry westbound traffic along the hillside south of Clear Creek and is expected to continue through mid-2027.
This phase aims to reduce the steep grade and sharp curve currently experienced by drivers at Floyd Hill, improving both safety and traffic flow in the area. The bridge will be constructed about 20 to 30 feet above the current I-70 alignment near the US 6 interchange (Exit 244). According to project details, crews will pour concrete sections piece by piece from each pier column until the full span connects. Work will begin at the north pier over existing westbound lanes before shifting to complete spans over eastbound lanes.
To minimize disruption, construction will take place above live traffic using a movable platform called a form traveler. Intermittent overnight closures are planned during non-peak travel times for installing and repositioning this equipment. Additional overnight closures for rockblasting and rockscaling work are scheduled Mondays through Thursdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., with motorists advised to expect brief holds every hour during these operations.
Motorists seeking updates can sign up for text alerts or weekly advisories about traffic impacts related to the project. Eastbound travelers may need to use alternate routes via US 6 (Exit 244) and County Road 65 (Exit 248) during certain phases of construction.
According to the official website, the Colorado Department of Transportation works to improve quality of life for residents through integrated transportation solutions while overseeing infrastructure across Colorado according to its official website. The department builds and maintains interstates, U.S. highways, state highways, and administers grants for aviation and transit as stated on its official website. Shoshana Lew serves as executive director according to information provided online.
