Rock scaling operations are set to begin again in late-September or early October 2024 as part of the ongoing I-70 Floyd Hill Project. This work is necessary to remove loose and unstable material from the hillside above I-70, preparing for rock blasting scheduled for later this fall. Both rock scaling and blasting will occur in the West and Central Sections of the Project, which spans from US 6 (Exit 244) to Idaho Springs/Colorado Boulevard (Exit 241), and will require hundreds of traffic holds in order to safely perform the work.
The aim of this Project is to improve the safety and decrease congestion along this section of I-70 by rebuilding and replacing bridges over Clear Creek and flattening I-70 curves to enhance sight distance.
What Motorists Should Expect
Rock Scaling (late-September/October 2024)
Starting in late-September or early October, crews will begin rock scaling in the West Section of the Project. This process is expected to last around two months, and drivers can expect more than 100 traffic holds during that time.
Key details:
- Monday through Thursday, during off-peak hours, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- Traffic will be held for up to 20 minutes during each hold, with delays possibly lasting up to 45 minutes as queues clear.
- Up to six traffic holds per day, spaced 60 to 75 minutes apart.
- Traffic will be held:
- Westbound I-70 traffic will be held east of the Hidden Valley interchange (Exit 243).
- Eastbound I-70 traffic will be held west of the Veterans Memorial Tunnels.
Rock Blasting (Following Rock Scaling)
Once rock scaling is complete, the focus will shift to rock blasting operations in both the Central and West Sections. Like scaling, blasting will cause significant traffic impacts:
- Rock blasting will occur once per day, up to three times per week, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon.
- Similar to scaling, each traffic hold will last up to 20 minutes, with potential delays extending to 45 minutes as the traffic queue clears.
- Traffic will be held:
- Westbound I-70 traffic will be held as far east as Homestead Road (Exit 247).
- Eastbound I-70 traffic will be held west of the Veterans Memorial Tunnels.
- Central City Parkway, County Road 314, and the US 6 on-ramp to westbound I-70 will also experience traffic holds during blasting.
There will not be a detour route available during these operations, so motorists should plan for extra travel time. The Project encourages travelers to adjust their schedules around these traffic holds for a smoother commute. The best way to stay informed is to sign up for text alerts by texting ‘floydhill’ to 21000. For more information, including blasting and scaling FAQs, visit the Project website.