The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and contractor KSK, LLC will pause construction on the I-70 Glenwood Canyon Bridge Joint Improvement Project for the winter season, with work scheduled to stop on Wednesday, Nov. 26.
During the 2025 construction period, crews completed five bridge joints in both eastbound and westbound lanes near Exit 129 at the Bair Ranch Rest Area. Additionally, one major bridge-joint structure was finished at Exit 123 by the Shoshone Power Plant. These upgrades are intended to support roadway expansion and contraction and create a smoother driving surface for motorists.
CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew stated, “The team has made great progress on this section of this critical I-70 Mountain Corridor project ahead of winter. Maintaining the health and safety of I-70 through Glenwood Canyon is essential not only for travelers, but for Colorado’s economic vitality. This corridor is a backbone for commerce and tourism, and keeping it safe and reliable is fundamental to supporting communities and businesses across the state.”
To prepare for winter conditions, CDOT has returned I-70 in both directions to its normal configuration with two lanes open each way. There are no planned lane closures during winter months so as not to disrupt snow removal or maintenance operations; typical lane and shoulder widths will be maintained throughout the shutdown period. All road surfaces where bridge joints were replaced have been paved, ensuring safer travel until work resumes.
No further construction activity will take place during winter except necessary maintenance tasks.
For the upcoming winter season, CDOT has launched an online hub that consolidates information about the I-70 Mountain Corridor. The resource offers updates on road conditions and tips for safe mountain travel by bringing together tools from COtrip.org and the COtrip Planner app into one site: codot.gov/i70mountain.
Remaining work is set to continue in spring 2026. Tasks include replacing 18 additional bridge joints, completing guardrail improvements, and paving asphalt between Mile Point 116 near Glenwood Springs to MP 133 in Dotsero. The remaining structures scheduled for joint replacement are located at or near Exit 119 (No Name), Exit 122 (Grizzly Creek Rest Area), and Exit 125 (Hanging Lake Trailhead).
Bridge joints play a key role by connecting roads to elevated structures while allowing movement due to temperature changes or traffic loads—helping maintain safety along these routes.
For more details about this project, residents can call the project information line at 970-896-6953 or email [email protected]. Updates are available via subscription.cotrip.org or by visiting codot.gov/projects/i70glenwoodcanyonbridge.
