State road officials want to make sure Interstate 70 mountain travelers can get to grandma’s house this holiday weekend — as well as Idaho Springs’ tree-lighting ceremony — with as few complications as possible.
To that end, the Colorado Department of Transportation has suspended work on its on eastbound I-70 between Empire Junction and Idaho Springs. The work was suspended Wednesday.
There will be no lane closures in that area through the holiday weekend. Regular construction hours will resume Monday.
CDOT adds that regular lane closures will be “reassessed and adjusted” for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
“CDOT recognizes the importance of I-70 to all residents and businesses throughout the corridor,” said Tony DeVito, regional transportation director. “We want to support them and help foster a prosperous holiday season.”
The Peak Period Shoulder Lane — or toll lane — is scheduled to open in fall 2015 and is touted to relieve congestion during peak travel times between Empire Junction and Idaho Springs, according to CDOT.
The $72 million project is expected to save motorists an average of 30 minutes of travel time. No price has been set for the tolls.
Idaho Springs Mayor Michael Hillman said he hopes that people won’t be discouraged by I-70 travel and will flock to his town for holiday bargains and cheer this weekend.
“We encourage travelers to join our community in kicking off the holiday season by supporting our town as we participate in Small Business Saturday and by attending our annual Tree Lighting celebration at 5:30 p.m. Saturday evening,” Hillman said.
Monte Whaley: 720-929-0907 or mwhaley@denverpost.com
