July 9, 2008
NEW CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
I-76 MEDIAN GUARDRAIL PROJECT UNDERWAY
ADAMS COUNTY – This week, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) began a safety improvement project that will install approximately six miles of tensioned cable guardrail in the median of I-76 between the Burlington Canal and Bromley Lane (mileposts 16.13 to 22.41) to help prevent crossover accidents.
“This new wire rope safety fence will improve safety along this stretch of I-76 as it will reduce the number of crossover accidents, which often result in serious or fatal injuries,” said CDOT Project Engineer Dan Housand. “This guardrail is designed to slow the vehicle down and contain it within the median, preventing the vehicle from crossing over or coming back into traffic.”
During the project, motorists can expect single lane closures on eastbound or westbound I-76 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 7 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., Sunday through Thursday. Delays are possible and alternate routes are advised. In addition, the speed limit will be reduced from 75 mph to 65 mph through the construction zone.
This type of guardrail was first installed in 2002 on US 285 near Windy Point. Due to the success of the guardrail, the use of wire rope safety fence has since expanded. The wire rope safety fence has been installed in numerous locations across the state including US 285 near Kipling Street, I-25 near Berthoud, State Highway 65 near Grand Mesa, I-25 between Fort Collins and Broomfield, C-470 between I-25 and Wadsworth Boulevard and I-76 between Sheridan Boulevard and I-25.
Highway Technologies, Inc. is the contractor for this $908,000 project, which will be complete by the end of October 2008.