Drivers traveling along the I-70 Mountain Corridor should expect traffic holds and delays as the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) continues critical rock scaling operations on two major projects: the West Vail Pass Auxiliary Lanes Project and the I-70 Floyd Hill Project. While both efforts are essential for long-term safety and infrastructure improvements, they will bring short-term traffic impacts that motorists can plan around.
West Vail Pass Auxiliary Lanes Project Rock Scaling
Rock scaling tied to avalanche mitigation fence installation began last week on the West Vail Pass Project. Traffic holds will occur 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, involving multiple 20-minute traffic holds each day. These operations are expected to continue through the end of June and will overlap with increased traffic impacts near Idaho Springs as part of the I-70 Floyd Hill Project.
I-70 Floyd Hill Project Rock Scaling
Starting Monday, June 16, crews will resume rock scaling operations above I-70 east of the Hidden Valley/Central City Parkway interchange (Exit 243) as part of the I-70 Floyd Hill Project. This work will span eight days over two weeks, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays.
During this time, drivers should be prepared for multiple traffic holds each day, typically every 60 to 75 minutes, along I-70 between the Veterans Memorial Tunnels and Homestead Road (Exit 247). These holds can result in traffic queues that take up to 45 minutes to clear, with delays potentially stretching until 4 p.m. Drivers are advised to remain on I-70 and plan accordingly, as no detour is available.
Overnight Closures on Westbound I-70
In addition to daytime work on the I-70 Floyd Hill Project, two overnight closures of westbound I-70 are scheduled to allow crews to install overhead sign structures and shift traffic westbound toward the median. These closures will affect the segment from County Road 65 (Exit 248) to the US 6 interchange (Exit 244):
- 10 p.m., Monday, June 16, through 4:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 17; and
- 10 p.m., Monday, June 23, through 4:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 24
Backup dates are in place for both closures in case of inclement weather.
During the closures, westbound I-70 traffic will exit at County Road 65, travel west on US 40 and rejoin westbound I-70 via the US 6 on-ramp (Exit 244). Although work is scheduled overnight to reduce travel disruption, delays are still likely, and CDOT recommends building in additional travel time.
CDOT strongly encourages all travelers to plan ahead and stay informed about current conditions. Safety is the top priority in all construction zones, and motorists are urged to reduce their speed, watch for narrowed lanes and shoulders, expect changing traffic patterns, and remain alert for construction workers and equipment.
To receive real-time updates, visit COtrip.org or download the COtrip Planner app. You can also sign up for text alerts by texting floydhill or vailpass (both one word) to 21000.
While the delays may be inconvenient, the work is crucial for improving safety and reliability along one of Colorado’s most heavily traveled corridors.