The Colorado Department of Transportation announced on Mar. 26 that construction has begun on a new westbound Interstate 70 alignment as part of the I-70 Floyd Hill Project in Clear Creek County. The project includes building a cast-in-place segmental bridge, known as “The Live Lift,” which will carry westbound traffic along the hillside south of Clear Creek and is expected to continue through mid-2027.
This realignment aims to reduce the steep grade and sharp curve currently experienced by drivers at Floyd Hill, improving both safety and traffic flow in the area. The bridge will be constructed approximately 20 to 30 feet above the existing highway near the US 6 interchange (Exit 244). Crews will build it section by section, pouring concrete pieces that extend outward from each pier column until the full span connects.
Work will start at the north pier over current westbound lanes before shifting to complete spans over eastbound lanes. Constructing above live traffic allows for long spans while minimizing impacts on motorists, waterways, and nearby areas. The department said this approach also improves safety for both travelers and workers.
Traffic disruptions are expected to be minimal but will include intermittent overnight closures during non-peak hours for installation and movement of construction platforms. Additional overnight closures on westbound I-70 are scheduled to begin in early April, with continued intermittent holds for rockblasting and rockscaling operations through 2026. Motorists should anticipate these holds every 60 to 75 minutes starting at 9 a.m., Mondays through Thursdays when work is underway.
According to the official website, the Colorado Department of Transportation works to improve quality of life for residents through integrated transportation solutions while delivering an effective multi-modal system that safely transports people, goods, and information across Colorado according to their official website. Shoshana Lew serves as executive director according to their official website.
The department oversees statewide transportation infrastructure including interstates, U.S. highways, state highways, aviation grants, and transit support as outlined by its official website. It operates within Colorado’s transportation sector with a focus on highway maintenance alongside aviation and transit support according to its official site.
