I-76 construction at US 85 starts in October
In early October, CDOT and contractor partner, Villalobos Concrete Inc., will begin a reconstruction project at the Interstate 76 and US Highway 85 interchange. The project will improve the geometry of the westbound I-76 curve where the interstate joins southbound US 85. This transition area will be upgraded to current design standards to improve safety and traffic flow. An additional travel lane from southbound US 85 to 96th Avenue will be built with the project. Portions of I-76 will also be replaced with new concrete pavement. Additional features include improved roadway drainage, lighting and water quality measures. Construction will continue through the winter with anticipated completion in late 2017 or early 2018.
Motorists should expect lane closures and reduced speed limits The project will be completed in phases in order to minimize traffic impacts. Crews will soon implement a lane closure on westbound I-76 to move traffic into a temporary single-lane configuration for the duration of the project. Phase 1 involves constructing detour pavement adjacent to the inside lanes of I-76. Detour pavement is also necessary along the east side of US 85. Traffic will shift onto the detour pavement so permanent construction can begin on the outside lanes of I-76 and US 85. Temporary barrier wall will separate motorists from adjacent construction activities. During construction, the speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph and fines will be doubled. Lane widths will be reduced to 11 feet through the work zone. All oversized vehicle width restriction of 15 feet will be strictly enforced. All work is weather permitting and schedules are subject to change.
In late October, crews will temporarily close eastbound I-76 east of 96th Avenue to all traffic overnight, for one or two nights, in order to remove an overhead sign structure. All eastbound motorists will be detoured off I-76 at 96th Avenue (exit 11). Closure dates and detour route information will be posted to the project website and shared with media outlets approximately one week in advance of the overnight closure.