CDOT Launches Major I-70 Overhaul Near Seibert, Stratton | The Locally Times
Drivers face nearly two years of detours and delays as CDOT tackles deteriorated I-70 pavement and aging bridges near Seibert and Stratton, with completion set for October 2027.
Eastern Colorado drivers are bracing for nearly two years of significant travel changes as the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) launches a major overhaul of a critical 6-mile stretch of Interstate 70 near Seibert and a segment of Colorado Highway 57 in Stratton. The I-70 Seibert–Stratton Roadway Improvements project, a partnership with Harper Brothers Construction, is scheduled to begin in early April 2026. It aims to enhance safety and extend the lifespan of these key eastern Colorado roadways, with an anticipated completion date of October 2027. A winter shutdown is planned between October 2026 and April 2027, CDOT announced. ## Project Scope on I-70 The project's initial phase targets I-70 east and west of Seibert, specifically between Mile Points 401 and 407. Crews will replace deteriorated concrete pavement and rehabilitate bridges, addressing aging infrastructure and improving structural integrity, CDOT officials confirmed. Bridge rehabilitation involves removing and resurfacing existing bridge decks with new concrete overlays, replacing joints, and completing structural repairs beneath the decks. These efforts aim to improve ride quality and reduce long-term maintenance for the traveling public. Beyond bridge work, the interstate will receive a new concrete overlay and replacement of aging concrete pavement, creating a more durable driving surface. Other planned I-70 improvements include mainline guardrail replacement, new delineators, updated roadway signage, and fresh pavement striping to enhance visibility and overall driver safety. ## Upgrades for Colorado Highway 57 and Interchanges Beyond the main interstate work, the project extends to significant upgrades for Colorado Highway 57, also known as Colorado Avenue, within the Town of Stratton. This segment, stretching between the I-70 interchange and US Highway 24 (Fourth Street), will undergo milling and paving with a hot-mix asphalt overlay, CDOT detailed. This resurfacing is intended to create a smoother, more durable driving surface and extend the roadway's lifespan. Further enhancements on CO 57 involve reconstructing select curb and gutter sections, along with installing new signage and pavement striping. Crews will also resurface the on- and off-ramps at both the Seibert and Stratton I-70 interchanges with new hot-mix asphalt overlay. ## Traffic Impacts and Long-Term Benefits Motorists traveling through the project areas should anticipate significant traffic impacts throughout the construction period. The initial phase of I-70 work near Seibert involves constructing several crossover detours to facilitate head-to-head traffic, a configuration designed to protect crews while maintaining traffic flow through the work zone, CDOT explained. Resurfacing on- and off-ramps at the Seibert and Stratton I-70 interchanges will require intermittent ramp closures and traffic shifts during paving operations. The project's overall design aims to enhance safety, mobility, and long-term maintenance along this eastern Colorado route, aligning with CDOT's broader commitment to safety and service outlined on its homepage. Drivers can expect a smoother surface upon the project's completion in October 2027. ## Key Questions **How long will the construction last?** The project is scheduled to begin in early April 2026 and is expected to be completed by October 2027, with a planned winter shutdown from October 2026 to April 2027. **What specific improvements are planned for the bridges?** Bridge rehabilitation includes removing and resurfacing existing bridge decks with new concrete overlays, replacing joints, and completing structural repairs beneath the bridge decks. **Will the project affect local roads in Stratton?** Yes, work on Colorado Highway 57 (Colorado Avenue) in Stratton will include milling and paving with a hot-mix asphalt overlay, reconstructing curb and gutter sections, and installing new signage and pavement striping.