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Overnight alternating traffic coming up at the I-70 Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnel

Work begins July 9 to replace message boards and cameras inside the tunnel bores
Community Submission
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Project location mapImage courtesy of the Colorado Department of Transportation

NEWS RELEASE
COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
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The Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor partner Sturgeon Electric will begin a project to remove and replace all cameras, variable message boards, lane use signs, and fiber in the Interstate 70 Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnel (EJMT) on Sunday, July 9. This work will require overnight alternating traffic with full closures of one bore/one direction of travel through the tunnel at a time on Sunday through Thursday nights until the project is complete, which is anticipated for Summer 2024. When one tunnel bore is closed, traffic along both directions of I-70 will be stopped at the tunnel entrance while one direction of travel is escorted through the open bore. Traffic stops will last for 20 minutes, and delays are expected to be minimal due to the overnight working hours. Work will begin at 10 p.m. and last until 5 a.m.

This project will upgrade the cameras and signs in the tunnel which are used by CDOT’s traffic operations center to monitor the safety and health of the traveling public driving through the Eisenhower Tunnel. These devices are used 24/7 to monitor the tunnel and to alert the traveling public of any delays on this critical route. Full bore closures are necessary as the cameras and signs cannot be removed and replaced while traffic is driving under them. The work is being coordinated with other projects to upgrade the infrastructure at the Eisenhower Tunnel.

Traffic Impacts

  • Overnight full bore closures in one direction of travel only, Sunday through Thursday nights from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
  • Work will start on westbound I-70 in the Eisenhower bore.
  • Both directions of I-70 traffic will be held at the entrance of the tunnel for 20 minutes while one direction of travel at a time is escorted through the tunnel safely.
  • This closure schedule will remain in place until the project is complete, expected in summer 2024.
  • No overnight full bore closures will occur on Friday or Saturday nights or on holidays.
  • Drivers should use caution and pay extra attention during this overnight work.

Project Information

For additional information about this project and other work at EJMT, contact the project team.

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:

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!

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