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I-70 work brings overnight detours near Idaho Springs as Floyd Hill project advances
Overnight lane closures and a four-day ramp closure are scheduled near Idaho Springs as construction continues on the Floyd Hill project. A nearby restaurant owner says traffic delays have brought customers in for a meal and a break, while also disrupting travelers’ plans.
Drivers on Interstate 70 near Idaho Springs face a series of overnight closures as work continues on the Floyd Hill project, which has been underway for about three years.
The Colorado Department of Transportation plans to close eastbound I-70 between Idaho Springs and Hidden Valley/Central City Parkway from 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, until 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19. Eastbound drivers will be directed to Exit 241 in Idaho Springs, then onto County Road 314 to rejoin I-70 at Hidden Valley, Exit 243.
Westbound I-70 at U.S. 6 is scheduled to close from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 19 and 20. During those closures, drivers will use the U.S. 6, or Exit 244, off- and on-ramps to continue west. The eastbound off-ramp to Hidden Valley is also set to close for four days; CDOT’s notice did not specify the ramp closure’s exact start and end times.
The construction has brought a mix of new customers and travel headaches to businesses near the highway. Two Bears Tap and Grill owner Lynn Jacobs said travelers often stop at the Idaho Springs restaurant to wait out traffic, have lunch or get a drink.
“They tell me they’re patient and don’t want to get back in there,” Jacobs said, describing customers’ reluctance to return to the congestion. She said some travelers have also missed reservations, events and appointments farther west because of delays.
Jacobs said the upcoming closures are not expected to significantly affect the restaurant, which is open Wednesday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. She hopes the project will bring more customers to the business over time.