CDOT To Begin Closing Eisenhower Tunnel For 20 Nights
DENVER (CBS4) - The Colorado Department of Transportation is about to begin overnight closures of the Eisenhower/Johnson Memorial Tunnels to install the new heat detection system.
The closures will begin next Monday at 10 p.m. and last until 6 a.m. for 20 nights so crews can install a linear heat detection system in each tunnel bore for the Fixed Fire Suppression System project.
The work will be suspended on Friday and Saturday nights.
"To minimize the impact on travelers, one of the tunnel bores will remain open at all times and pilot cars will lead I-70 traffic in alternating directions through the open tunnel," CDOT said in a statement.
RELATED: New Fire Suppression System For Eisenhower Tunnel Get Green Light
CDOT has received a total of $25 million from the federal and state governments to make the tunnel safer.
"The new heat detection system will alert tunnel staff to rising heat levels inside the tunnels, and the suppression system will allow the remote release of water, if needed, without having to enter the tunnels," CDOT said.
LINK: Eisenhower/Johnson Memorial Tunnels Fixed Fire Suppression System Fact Sheet
Additional Information From CDOT
TRAVEL IMPACTS:
• I-70 traffic will be stopped in both directions at the Eisenhower/Johnson Memorial Tunnels on Sunday through Thursday nights beginning Monday, April 6, from 10 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. each night, weather permitting
• Traffic will be held for up to 20 minutes, while pilot cars lead I-70 traffic in alternating directions through the open tunnel.
• US 6/Loveland Pass can be used as an alternate route, weather permitting.
PROJECT INFORMATION:
For more information on this project, visit codot.gov/projects/EisenhowerFireSystem. For information on I-70 travel conditions, visit COTrip.org, download the CDOT Mobile app, sign up for GovDelivery or call 511. Updates are also available via Twitter @coloradodot and CDOT's Facebook page at Facebook.com/coloradodot