Expect traffic disruptions and delays on I-70 west of Denver next week

Drivers traveling on Interstate 70 west of Denver, near Evergreen, will face 20-minute delays and then delays of up to 45 minutes starting Monday as road contractors blast rock to build the Pegasus bus stop and parking lot, Colorado Department of Transportation officials said.

The disruptions are expected to last two weeks — ending around Aug. 23, CDOT officials said. There will be no detours. CDOT officials said drivers must stay on I-70.

CDOT contractors will break rock and grade the area to build the El Rancho Pegasus Shuttle Stop on I-70 and an adjacent 40-space parking structure with electric vehicle charging stations — expected to be completed by December — at I-70 Exit 251, the El Rancho exit near Evergreen.

Starting Monday, drivers delayed on I-70 may hear loud horn honks intended to warn people shortly before contractors set off explosions.

Contractors plan four detonations, two each week for the next two weeks (no more than one per day). The detonations will occur between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., officials said.

Drivers heading east toward Denver on I-170 will be stopped at County Road 65 (Exit 248). Drivers heading west on I-70 will be stopped at a point between Exits 254 and 256 (Genesee Wildlife Crossing area). Drivers heading west on US 40 will also need to stop just north and south of where US 40 intersects with I-70.

Travelers can check road conditions by texting “floydhill” to 21000 to receive emails from CDOT about the project, visiting the government website (codot.gov/projects/i70floydhill) or calling 720-994-2368.