The Colorado Department of Transportation announced on April 28 that a resurfacing project will begin May 4 along Interstate 70 between Rulison and West Rifle, with work expected to finish by mid-September.
The project covers about five miles of I-70, from the Rulison Exit 81 (Mile Point 81.6) to the West Rifle Exit 87 (MP 86.6). The work includes asphalt leveling and overlay in travel lanes, guardrail replacement, bridge repairs, striping, and settlement repairs near West Rifle in both directions.
Shoshana Lew, executive director of the Colorado Department of Transportation, said: “I-70 from Rulison to West Rifle is a vital portion of the western Colorado corridor, enabling reliable travel, movement of goods and ensuring access for local communities. This road resurfacing project will add more than a decade of life to the interstate and provide a better, safer driving experience for motorists.”
The new guardrails installed during this project will be raised to meet updated safety standards at a height of 31 inches. This change is intended to help vehicles stay on the roadway more effectively if they veer off course.
Daytime construction hours are scheduled Monday through Friday starting half an hour after sunrise until half an hour before sunset; occasional Saturday work may occur. Traffic impacts include daily single-lane closures in both directions, width restrictions requiring wide loads to detour onto US Highway 6 (eastbound use Exit 81; westbound use Exit 87), possible delays up to twenty minutes, and reduced speed limits set at fifty-five miles per hour.
According to the official website, the Colorado Department of Transportation works on improving quality of life for residents through integrated transportation solutions. The agency also aims for an effective multi-modal system that safely moves people and goods while supporting environmental standards according to its official website. Lew holds her current position as executive director according to department information.
As outlined by CDOT’s official site, it oversees statewide transportation infrastructure including interstates and highways while also administering grants for aviation and transit projects. The department operates within the transportation sector with responsibilities focused on highway maintenance as well as support for aviation and transit initiatives as described online.
