I-70 Delays In Glenwood Canyon: What Colorado Should Know

They’re back. Those orange barrels and concrete barriers have returned to one of Colorado’s most scenic mountain corridors, I-70 in Glenwood Canyon.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced the return of the I-70 Glenwood Canyon Bridge Joints Improvement Project on Monday, and these are the details Western Slope drivers will need to know.

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Why Glenwood Canyon Is So Important for Western Colorado Travelers

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The story of I-70 through Glenwood Canyon is one of the most impressive engineering accomplishments in Colorado. The project was difficult to agree on, expensive, and some say essential in opening the Rocky Mountains to the automobile. Today, it’s the main route through the mountains to the Western Slope, and even a small construction project can really increase travel times for thousands of drivers crossing the state.

What Work Crews Will Be Doing in 2026 and When They Will Finish

The work on the bridge joints began in 2025 and is expected to be completed by the fall of this year. Bridge expansion joints are essential as they allow bridges to expand and contract during temperature changes and heavy traffic loads. The entire I-70 Glenwood Canyon Bridge Joint Project includes 23 joint replacements and new guardrails, as part of the $7.5 million improvement.

Lane Closures and Construction Zones Drivers Will See This Spring

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As work resumed earlier this week, drivers traveling on I-70 through the canyon should expect single-lane traffic at reduced speeds during most daytime work hours. CDOT reports the project will impact the westbound lanes near Bair Ranch and Hanging Lake, and eastbound traffic will be narrowed between the Shoshone Rest Area and Hanging Lake. Work hours are typically 7 AM to 7 PM on weekdays, and the speed limit will drop to 35 mph.