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Ever since early October 2024, the drive to and from Idaho Springs during the week has been impacted by the latest I-70 Floyd Hill Project construction. This new traffic interference can increase drive times by 45 minutes and even cause dead-stop traffic for 20-minute increments during rock scaling and blasting.
What to Expect for I-70 Construction
One of the most Coloradan experiences is getting stuck in I-70 traffic and being surprised by new I-70 construction hold-ups—if anything, this is a classic Rocky Mountain experience. For this specific I-70 Floyd Hill Project construction, you can expect delays and occasional full-stop traffic depending on the day and time, so it’s best to expect a longer delay on your way to Idaho Springs so you can arrive at your destination in time for what you have planned.
During the I-70 construction work hours of 9am to 4pm on Monday through Friday, drivers and visitors can expect:
- Occasional 20-minute traffic holds resulting in delays of up to 45 minutes
- Overnight lane closures
- Temporary lane shifts or on- and off-ramp closures
- Overnight detours in the I-70/US 6 interchange
- Short-term closures of I-70
- Temporary closures of the Clear Creek Greenway trail
What is the I-70 Floyd Hill Project?
The I-70 Floyd Hill Project, encompasses an eight mile section of the I-70 Mountain Corridor—from west of Evergreen to eastern Idaho Springs. As a home to many residents, dozens of businesses, and plenty of tourism traffic, this portion of I-70 is in desperate need of improvements. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) began the I-70 construction for the Floyd Hill Project in early July 2023, but the majority of the traffic impact from rock scaling and blasting began in October 2024.
The I-70 Floyd Hill Project strives to accomplish multiple improvements, including:
- Adding a third westbound travel lane
- Rebuilding bridges due to wear and tear plus heavy usage
- Constructing a missing two-mile section of the frontage road between US 6 and the Hidden Valley/Central City Parkway interchanges
- Building an extended on-ramp from US 6 onto eastbound I-70
- Improving traffic flow and safety
- Improving the Clear Creek Greenway trail
- Implementing environmental mitigation
- Installing two permanent air quality monitors
Can I Still Visit The Argo Mill and Tunnel?
Despite all the I-70 Floyd Hill Project construction, The Argo Mill and Tunnel is still open to visitors. Because the journey from Denver to Idaho Springs now takes nearly twice as long, the Mighty Argo is offering a flash discount of 20% off tours while construction persists. For this unbeatable tour discount, visitors of all ages and their families can come experience the history of Colorado and explore the site’s features. End the tour with some gold panning and a visit to the Argo Mercantile for fun stories and conversations to have on the way back to the city.
Stay up to date on all the I-70 construction through CDOT and plan your trip to Idaho Springs accordingly. Always be sure to use precaution on your drive to and from the mountains, as traffic always ebbs and flows. The Argo Mill and Tunnel cannot wait to see you on your next mountain adventure—drive safely!