Traffic pattern changing in interstate work zone
Drivers on Interstate 70 heading west between the south junction of Interstate 79 and the East Beau Street interchange can expect to see a change in the traffic pattern later this month.
Work on a section of new concrete on a westbound lane is almost complete, said Scott Faieta, assistant construction engineer for the state Department of Transportation who is overseeing the $117 million project. The work includes widening the highway to three lanes in each direction between East Beau and the south junction and reconstructing the approximately five-mile stretch of interstate.
“I expect the traffic switch onto the new concrete will happen the week of Aug. 13,” Faieta said Thursday.
“Of course, that depends what we get done between the raindrops.
“Once the switch is done, we will start working on the section where traffic is currently running,” he added. “The game plan is to have new concrete on that westbound section by the end of the year.”
Faieta said this is one of the wettest construction seasons he can remember.
“We have been able to work to get the schedule back on track,” Faieta said. “But it seems like it has done nothing but rain, and when it is muddy, it makes it difficult to get work done. We need drier weather.”
On a stretch of the westbound interstate near Eighty Four, work is being done to build the base as well as create drainage in preparation for construction work. Faieta said work to relocate streams in that area has been completed. Drainage work also is being done in the area between Zediker Station Road and the south junction. Excavation is being done along both sides of the highway.
Faieta said the general contractor, Lane Construction Co., has been paid $30 million to date. Work on the project is scheduled to be done by November 2020.