Colorado travelers this summer can expect slower travel and delays when I-70 becomes a single lane highway in both directions at Rifle.

The westbound interstate bridge over the Colorado River at Rifle is going to be "rehabilitated" which will necessitate traffic diversion for the entire summer.

There will be some intermittent daytime lane closures in April, and by the end of May, there will be single-lane traffic in both directions, utilizing the eastbound side of the interstate. For several months the single lane configuration will be in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Speeds will be reduced to 45 MPH.

The good news is that by moving all the traffic to one side, traffic flow should at least be continuous at that point, if not a little slower than normal.

The project is expected to be completed by October.

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