I-270 to I-76 Flyover Complete/New Transportation Commission Chair Named/Widening Project Starts on U.S. 34 Business

CDOT Completes I-270 to I-76 Flyover

In August, the Colorado Department of Transportation opened the new flyover ramp connecting eastbound Interstate 270 to eastbound Interstate 76, marking the completion of Colorado’s 18th strategic project.

The new flyover allows motorists on eastbound I-270 to access eastbound I-76 without having to exit onto southbound Interstate 25 first.

The 2,281-ft flyover was the last phase of a 10-phase, $153.3-million project that improves the I-25/U.S. 36/I-76/I-270-interchange complex, the only interchange of four expressways in Colorado. The flyover is expected to carry 17,300 vehicles a day by 2019.

Throughout the 10-phase project, close to 20 new structures were constructed, several interchanges were rebuilt and numerous ramp movements constructed or improved, many of which were non-existent. Some of the most-needed connections added through the project include the HOV ramp from U.S. 36 to the I-25 HOV lanes, southbound I-25 to eastbound I-270 and eastbound I-270 to eastbound I-76.

Edward Kraemer & Sons Inc. was the contractor of the $18.7-million project.

New Chair/Vice Chair Selected For Transportation Commission

The Colorado Transportation Commission recently elected Bill Kaufman of Loveland as its new chairman and Kim Killin of Holyoke as its new vice chairwoman.

Commissioner Kaufman represents District 5, which includes Larimer, Morgan and Weld counties. He has served on the commission since July 2003. Kaufman is an attorney with his private firm and served on the Transportation Committee for four years during his term as state representative from 1992 to 2000.

Commissioner Killin, also an attorney, represents District 11, which includes Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson, Lincoln, Logan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington and Yuma counties. She has served on the commission since January 2005.

The state’s transportation system is managed by the Colorado Department of Transportation under the direction of the Transportation Commission. The commission is comprised of 11 commissioners who represent specific districts. Each commissioner is appointed by the governor, confirmed by the State Senate and serves a four-year term.

Widening Project Under Way on U.S. 34 Business Near Greeley

The Colorado Department of Transportation started a widening project in August on U.S. 34 Business loop between State Highway 257 and 71st Street in Greeley.

The project widens U.S. 34 Business from two to four lanes, providing two lanes in each direction and a 16-ft median.

During the first month of construction, crews conducted erosion control and barrier work and paved a temporary alignment. Crews have since begun construction of the north half of the new pavement. Once the new lanes on the north side are completed late this year, crews will place traffic onto the new concrete pavement, and construction on the south half will begin, continuing into late 2009.

Castle Rock Construction Co. is the contractor for the $12.8-million project, scheduled to be complete by the end of 2009.

Preventative Maintenance on I-70 to Complete This Month

The Colorado Department of Transportation should complete a preventative maintenance project on Interstate 70 between Interstate 225 and Tower Road this month.

The project repairs and replaces approximately 1,850 sq yd of concrete slabs in various locations along a four-mi stretch of I-70, including the on- and- off-ramps at Tower Road.

Quality Paving Co. of Henderson is the contractor for the $1.5-million project.

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