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CDOT Invites Public Opinion On I-70 Viaduct Reconstruction Through Heart Of Denver

DENVER (CBS4) - The state of Colorado wants to hear from the public as it moves forward with a billion-dollar road project that would drastically change Interstate 70 through the heart of Denver.

It's a vital stretch of the highway, from Interstate 25 east toward Interstate 225. Damage to the I-70 viaduct is obvious and the Colorado Department of Transportation is looking to replace the roadway.

"We're wondering, if we're going to need to replace this, what are the other things can we do to increase safety and mobility for this very important corridor," said Megan Castle from CDOT.

It was originally built to last 50 years, but that was 70 years ago.

"That viaduct is past its prime. It needs to be replaced and so as part of the process, it's been a 12-year process looking at how to tackle this stretch of the highway," said Castle.

CDOT is looking to demolish the beat up structure and move the highway underground.

There are plans for a completely new intersection, with renderings for one at Colorado Boulevard, and a slightly controversial plan to cover the roadway.

"What we're calling a 4-acre lid, we're hoping would help to reconnect those communities that were separated by I-70's construction," Castle said.

I-70 viaduct rendering
(credit: CDOT)

There's more controversy to the project as it calls for at least one toll lane in each direction.

"CDOT would be collecting the tolls in this, and would be working with a partner to get the payments for helping to design, build, finance and maintain the highway over a period of years," Castle said.

Four meetings are planned this week, one in Commerce City on Monday, a telephone town hall on Tuesday. Big crowds are expected in Aurora on Wednesday, and again in Denver on Thursday.

"This is again why we're coming back out, especially to talk about the public-private partnership aspect of this, to let people know what it means. We're committed to letting people know what's happening with the project, and also what's happening as far as the financing opportunities with the project," said Castle.

CDOT has said there were lessons learned from the U.S. 36 public-private partnership, which drew big crowds at similar community meetings.

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