I-70 Floyd Hill rock scaling, blasting operations will impact travelers: CDOT

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DENVER (KDVR) — If you’re heading west on Interstate 70 in the next two months during a weekday, be prepared for delays as crews will begin rock scaling in preparation for rock blasting, which is anticipated to continue into 2026.

It’s all part of the ongoing I-70 Floyd Hill expansion project. The Colorado Department of Transportation said Wednesday that its contractor, Kraemer North America, will begin rock scaling operations in early October near Idaho Springs. Rock scaling refers to removing loose, unstable material from an area that will be blasted. Exact dates were not provided.

Rock blasting is planned to begin this fall in the western and central sections of the I-70 project, which includes the area east of U.S. 6 (exit 244) to Idaho Springs/Colorado Boulevard (exit 241). The project will rebuild and replace bridges spanning Clear Creek, as well as straighten I-70’s curves to improve safety and sight distance. CDOT provided the map below to show the affected areas.

CDOT plans rock scaling for early October along I-70

Rock scaling operations are planned for “early October” in the western section of the project and are anticipated to take about two months. CDOT said traffic holds will be in place Monday through Thursday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. during “off-peak travel times.”

Traffic will be held for up to 20 minutes at a time, and CDOT told motorists to anticipate 45-minute delays as traffic filters through the queue. CDOT said it will have up to six traffic holds per day every 60 to 75 minutes.

Motorists heading west will be stopped 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 be open during scaling operations.

Rock blasting for I-70 project to impact traffic into 2026

After rock scaling is completed, crews will begin rock blasting in the central and west sections of the I-70 Floyd Hill project area. Drivers will see traffic holds for the rock blasting through 2026, CDOT said.

The blasting will occur once a day and up to three times a week on Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon.

Traffic will be held similarly to the rock scaling operations plan, with traffic held for up to 20 minutes but could be held for 45 minutes as traffic clears the queue.

While crews are conducting the rock blasting, westbound traffic on I-70 will be held “as far east as Homestead Road” (exit 247). Eastbound 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 U.S. 6 on-ramp to westbound I-70 during the rock blasting. CDOT is warning drivers that they “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,” CDOT said in a release.

Motorists can get the most up-to-date information by signing up for text alerts. Text “floydhill” to 21000 for information or call 720-994-2368. There is also information online on CDOT’s website.

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Heather Willard

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