Drivers along Colorado’s Interstate 70 through the mountains should be prepared for lengthy delays as rock blasting operations continue in the West and Central Sections of the Floyd Hill Project. Heavy blasting occurred on Tuesday, December 10, and is planned to continue between 9a.m. and 3p.m. today, Wednesday, December 11.
Blasting is specifically planned above westbound I-70 between Veterans Memorial Tunnels and the Hidden Valley interchange and above eastbound I-70 between Hidden Valley and US 6 interchanges. Scaling work will continue after the blasting as crews work to remove loose rock.
Those traveling along I-70 through the area should prepare for 20-minute traffic holds multiple times per day, around every 60-75 minutes, and delays of up to 45 minutes as traffic clears. The delays could continue until 4p.m.. Westbound I-70 traffic will be held as far east as Homestead Road (Exit 247), while eastbound traffic will be held west of the Veterans Memorial Tunnels. Traffic holds are possible on on Central City Parkway, County Road 314, US 6 and US 40 as well.
The blasting work is set to facilitate the building of bridges and straighten the roadway curves to improve both safety and sight distance in the Floyd Hill area of I-70. There is no detour route during these operations, so motorists should plan for and expect delays of up to 45 minutes. All work is subject to change.
Additionally on Thursday, December 12, an overnight double left lane closure on westbound I-70 between Homestead Road (Exit 247) and Soda Creek Road (around mile marker 249) should be expected as crews install sign structures.