Mountain travelers should expect major delays on I-70 near Idaho Springs this week and next, especially during morning and afternoon hours.

According to a press release from CDOT, rockfall mitigation, including scaling and blasting operations, will take place on I-70 during the months of December at mile marker 239 near Idaho Springs to prevent future rockslides. The work was initially scheduled for 2020, but the rock face must be stabilized as soon as possible due to heavy seasonal snowfall. Here’s what to expect:

Traffic on I-70 will be periodically stopped in both directions, from 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM on Wednesday and Thursday, December 4-5. Daytime work will continue into the following Mondays through Thursdays for the weeks of December 9 and 16.

Crews will also begin to scale and drill the rock face on Monday, December 9, next to westbound I-70 near mile marker 236, just east of Dumont. In addition, this same section of I-70 will be shut down in both directions on Wednesday, December 18, for scheduled blasting operations. More information on this closure, including detours and local access, will be released by CDOT sometime next week.

While Colorado ski season is in full swing, skiers and riders may have difficulty reaching the snowy slopes. Travel impacts are expected, for accessing many of the resorts including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. Check cotrip.org for the latest road conditions and travel information.