DENVER — After years of talk and anticipation, drivers on Interstate 70 are about to see noticeable activity in a years-long construction project.
The York Street on-ramp to westbound I-70 is permanently closed. It is not part of the final design for the I-70 expansion because it was determined that access points to the interstate were too close.
The Colorado Department of Transportation said it closed the ramp to improve safety. It was also shut down so Union Pacific can begin rebuilding a stretch of railroad that will ultimately go over I-70.
Permanent Detour | How to access WB I-70 after York Street ramp closure
Drivers passing under the viaduct will notice that orange barrels and heavy equipment are being brought in. More changes will be visible in the coming weeks.
In August, crews broke ground on the $1.2 billion Central 70 project that will ultimately widen and bury part of the interstate. Ten miles of I-70 will be rebuilt between Brighton Boulevard and Chambers Road, adding one new Express Lane in each direction and removing the 54-year-old viaduct.
Following the closure of the York Street ramp, the portion of 46th Avenue that runs under the viaduct will be reduced from four lanes to two. Construction along the interstate will begin picking up from Quebec to I-225. Drivers will also notice work on the Peoria interchange soon.
