Grand Junction and Western Slope drivers are experiencing continued roadwork and potential delays on Interstate 70, with significant impacts expected through the end of the week and extending into November. Two major construction efforts are currently affecting travel between Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs. One project focuses on the Horizon Drive interchange in Grand Junction, while the other involves emergency repairs within Glenwood Canyon’s Hanging Lake Tunnel. These concurrent projects, as reported by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), will lead to ongoing slowdowns, affecting daily commutes, local businesses, and regional travel plans.
For those traveling near Grand Junction, the Horizon Drive-to-Clifton resurfacing project is a key point of impact. CDOT indicates that this work is scheduled to continue into November. This week has already brought notable changes to local traffic patterns. Staggered westbound I-70 ramp closures were implemented on both Sunday and Monday, altering typical routes. During these periods, drivers seeking to enter westbound I-70 at the Horizon Drive interchange were directed to detour east. Their alternative route involved proceeding to Palisade's Exit 42 before being able to join the westbound lanes. Similarly, westbound motorists who intended to exit I-70 at Horizon Drive were required to bypass their intended exit, continuing instead to Exit 28 and then turning around to access the Horizon Drive area. Looking ahead, CDOT has announced that restrictions are anticipated on the eastbound ramps "tonight," which could introduce delays of up to 15 minutes for drivers. As the resurfacing efforts progress over the coming weeks, commuters and travelers should anticipate occasional nighttime lane closures, reduced speeds in work zones, and possible additional delays, particularly during evening hours.
Further east, essential emergency repairs are actively taking place inside Glenwood Canyon’s Hanging Lake Tunnel. This specific work is concentrated near mile markers 125-126. CDOT reports that crews are engaged in repairing and replacing new mechanical doors and their related equipment within the tunnel structure. These critical repairs are currently impacting westbound traffic, which has been reduced to a single lane through the affected section. Drivers who have traversed the canyon recently have encountered stop-and-crawl conditions as a direct result of these necessary restrictions. CDOT advises the public to expect daily single-lane closures and traffic holds, which could last up to 10 minutes, "for the rest of the week" as crews complete their tasks. Fortunately for canyon travelers, these particular restrictions inside the Hanging Lake Tunnel are scheduled to conclude on Friday at Noon. The broader Hanging Lake Tunnel Project itself is slated for completion on Saturday.
With both the Grand Junction and Glenwood Canyon projects underway, CDOT strongly encourages all drivers to consult the COtrip website for the most current updates and any potential additional restrictions. This is especially important for those planning travel over the upcoming Halloween weekend, as conditions can change rapidly in construction zones.
