Transportation Commission approves reserve funding to shift 2027 Glenwood Canyon project to 2028

News Release

Garfield and Eagle Counties - Following extensive regional coordination and a formal recommendation from the Colorado Department of Transportation's executive and regional teams, the Colorado Transportation Commission has approved $5 million in funding from the Transportation Commission Program Reserve to address inflation and cost escalation associated with the decision to move the I-70 Glenwood Canyon Phase 8 Project from 2027 to 2028.

CDOT leadership made the recommendation to delay the project by one full construction season to avoid overlapping major construction in Glenwood Canyon with the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) Modernization project, which requires a full closure from April 4 to Nov. 19, 2027. Boards of County Commissioners in neighboring Pitkin and Eagle counties submitted letters of support and appreciation for the coordination during the Transportation Commission's public comment period.

Because airport travel is expected to shift to Eagle County Regional Airport-or prompt travelers to drive from Denver International Airport to the Roaring Fork Valley-deferring the Glenwood Canyon project is critical to maintaining traffic flow and supporting both the regional and statewide economy.

"When managing complex infrastructure corridors like I-70, strategic timing is everything," said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. "Deferring Phase 8 to 2028 prevents compounding disruptions along this vital highway while the regional airport is under construction-protecting traveler safety, supporting Western Slope businesses, and demonstrating CDOT's commitment to collaborative regional planning when unplanned disruptions may affect the wider region."

Background on Glenwood Canyon Phase 8 Project

The I-70 Glenwood Canyon Phase 8 Project is the latest in a series of improvements to repair aging infrastructure and make this vital stretch of I-70 safer. Covering 16.5 miles in Garfield County (between Mile Points 115.5 and 132.0), the project represents a $101.16 million investment, including $1.46 million for design and $99.7 million for construction.

Key improvements include:

• Smoother, safer roads: Laying a durable new concrete surface along the highway lanes and inside both the No Name and Hanging Lake Tunnels, updated pavement markings, permanent traffic crossovers and new guardrails
• Bridge & structural repairs: Upgrading bridge decks, supporting walls, and highway structures throughout the canyon
• Better weather tracking: Upgrading weather stations at three key canyon locations to give drivers and maintenance crews better real-time road conditions
• Wildfire and mudslide resilience: Clearing remaining debris from the 2021 Grizzly Creek Fire and subsequent floods out of the Colorado River and building protective barriers-including debris fences, drainage channels, and secure access points-above the Hanging Lake Tunnels to prevent future mudslides from blocking the highway

CDOT will continue to collaborate closely with Pitkin County, local municipalities, emergency responders and regional transit agencies throughout ASE closure and beyond. This ongoing partnership will ensure robust traffic management strategies, clear public communication and minimal disruption for residents, commuters and visitors throughout the Western Slope.

For more information on the I-70 corridor through Glenwood Canyon, visit: codot.gov/travel/i70mountain/glenwoodcanyon.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to "know before you go." Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• Check scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

• Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
• Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
• Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
• Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
• Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
• Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
• Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
• Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
• Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
• Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
• Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!