I-70 Travel advisory: Rock scaling and blasting begins today on Floyd Hill Project

The Colorado Department of Transportation  and contractor partner, Kraemer North America, will begin rock scaling operations in early October 2024 near Idaho Springs as part of the I-70 Floyd Hill Project. Rock scaling, which is the process of removing loose and unstable material from a rock blasting area, will take place ahead of rock blasting activities, which are scheduled to begin this fall. Rock blasting and scaling operations will take place in the West and Central Sections of the Project, which spans from east of US 6 (Exit 244) to Idaho Springs/Colorado Boulevard (Exit 241). These operations are required to rebuild and replace bridges over Clear Creek and straighten I-70 curves to improve safety and sight distance.

Rock scaling traffic impacts

Starting in early October, crews will begin rock scaling in the West Section. Rock scaling is estimated to last approximately two months.

• Traffic holds will take place Monday through Thursday, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. during off-peak travel times
• Traffic will be held up to 20 minutes during each traffic hold; motorists can expect 45-minute delays as the traffic queue clears
• Motorists can expect up to six traffic holds per day, approximately every 60 to 75 minutes
• For rock scaling operations, westbound I-70 traffic will be held east of the Hidden Valley interchange (Exit 243). Eastbound I-70 traffic will be held west of the Veterans Memorial Tunnels
• County Road 314 and Central City Parkway will remain open during scaling operations

Rock blasting traffic impacts

Following rock scaling operations, crews will begin rock blasting in both the Central and West Sections. Motorists can expect traffic holds for these activities through 2026.

• Rock blasting will occur once per day and up to three times per week, Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Fridays, from 9 a.m. to noon
• Similar to rock scaling, traffic will be held up to 20 minutes, but could result in 45-minute delays as the traffic queue clears
• During rock blasting operations, westbound I-70 traffic will be held as far east as Homestead Road (Exit 247). Eastbound I-70 traffic will be held west of the Veterans Memorial Tunnels. Traffic will also be held on Central City Parkway, County Road 314 and at the US 6 on-ramp to westbound I-70 during rock blasting

Motorists must stay the course on I-70 during these traffic holds. There is no detour route so plan for extra time to get to your destination. For the most current information on this work, please sign up for our text alerts by texting ‘floydhill’ to 21000.

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