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

Travel Advisory

September 20, 2022 - Central Colorado - Overnight full-bore closures on westbound I-70 are necessary to reset the panels that have been displaced

Clear Creek/Summit Counties - As part of a project to repair the tunnel walls, the westbound bore of the I-70 Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel (EJMT) will be closed for several nights over a four-week period beginning Sunday, Sept. 25, with alternating traffic in the eastbound tunnel.

For motorist safety, overnight full-bore closures on westbound I-70 are necessary to reset the panels that have been displaced. A large forklift will move the panels and this equipment requires the entire two-lane width of the tunnel to maneuver safely.

Closure Details

The westbound I-70 EJMT tunnel will be fully closed to traffic from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday nights for four weeks, beginning Sunday night, Sept. 25. There will be no more closures past Oct. 20 before the first of ski season openers.

Westbound and eastbound I-70 traffic will be stopped at the tunnel and one direction of traffic will be taken at a time through the eastbound bore.

Traffic will be led by a pilot car to ensure the safety of the traveling public. Motorists should expect reduced speeds and travel delays. There will be about 15 to 20-minute delays from 11 p.m. to midnight and minor delays afterward.

The closure schedule could change depending on the weather and other factors. Check COtrip.org for the latest information on closures and road conditions.

Project Details

The grout repair project is replacing and repairing grout beds that support the interior wall panels in the EJMT westbound tunnel and is repairing steel hangars (brackets that hold the wall panels in place) throughout the tunnel. The estimated construction completion date is November 2022. See project background video on YouTube.

Crews using a jack hammer for wall repairs in the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnel

Project Information

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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