DENVER — The Colorado Department of Transportation has begun to lay out its plans for several proposed projects across the state.
They are part of CDOT’s Transportation Infrastructure Week. On Tuesday, CDOT officials unveiled plans for I-70 near Floyd Hill.
The proposal includes expanding I-70 westbound from two to three lanes. The stretch of the highway that runs between Floyd Hill and US 6 would also be reconfigured to simplify the bridges and curves in this area, add walls and increase the line of sight for drivers.
CDOT also wants to smooth out the grade of the highway to make it more gradual.
Beyond the changes to I-70, officials outlined a plan to add new frontage roads and a new entrance ramp from US 6 onto the highway for drivers.
CDOT spokesperson Stacia Sellers says all of these changes are necessary in this area, “Because right now on I-70 you’re seeing speeds drop down. They start out at 55 or 60 mph, and then during those peak travel times on weekends or on holidays is dropping to about 28 to 30 mph.
The total cost of this project is $550 million or more, depending on a study of the plan.
“We would like to have this happen as soon as possible when we finish the study. But right now we have funding limitations,” Sellers said.
All of these changes are part of an ambitious Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, also known as STIP. This program was federally mandated and requires states to take a critical look at their infrastructure needs.
“We just have those funding limitations and we can’t move forward until we have the money to do so,” Sellers said.
On Thursday, CDOT will hold a meeting to talk about its funding needs.
