I-70 west of Denver - tunnel blasting for the next half-year or more

[noFanofCB]

TV News from Denver reported that a 3rd bore is being opened for the Eisenhower which takes I-70 under the Continental Divide.

Blasting begins tomorrow and traffic will be halted periodically as the work continues.
Then later toward April traffic will be rerouted on a detour.

CDOT website:
http://www.cotrip.org/roadConditions.htm
On the right hand section click on "Road Work Alerts"


When considering alternate routes possible delays on this one should be considered.

[AZBuck]

...to take US-6 over Loveland Pass.

AZBuck

[noFanofCB]

Chances are pretty good that backups and delays would extend to the US6 turnoff.

[glc]

I'm betting the detour will in fact be Loveland Pass, which is going to result in major delays.

[noFanofCB]

They don't state it directly but it says Eastbound traffic won't go thru the tunnel - -- which leaves Loveland Pass as the route.

Link to the specific project:


http://www.coloradodot.info/projects/i70twintunnels

[glc]

Actually, I loaded up that page and played the detour video - looks to me like they are building a new temporary road around the mountain?

[noFanofCB]

The animation had me puzzled for awhile until I checked and it's not the Eisenhower tunnel that's being worked on - it's a lower altitude tunnel.

Being able to drive next to the river was my first clue......

That part of the canyon is kind of narrow and winding for an interstate. Another lane would help.

But it's still construction on the route. And I suppose ultimately they'd want to add lanes thru the highest part of the road as well.