Drivers in the area of Genesee will encounter closures on U.S. Highway 40 and access to I-70 will require detours between Feb. 5 and 15.

But area wildlife will gain a safer way to steer clear of I-70. 

The Colorado Department of Transportation will be closing US 40 between Genesee and Lookout Mountain for roadway excavations to install wildlife grates and fencing to keep wildlife off of I-70 as CDOT works to complete the wildlife underpass project below I-70.

From 7 a.m., Monday to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 there will be a full closure of eastbound and westbound US 40 between Genesee and Lookout Mountain exits.

To access eastbound US 40, use eastbound I-70 to Lookout Mountain (Exit 254).

Motorists on westbound US 40 can access local side streets but cannot reach the Genesee and Mount Vernon interchange.

From 7 a.m. Monday, Feb. 12, to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15 the Genesee on-ramp to westbound I-70 will be completely closed.

Drivers will have to detour on eastbound US 40 or eastbound I-70 and use the Lookout Mountain on-ramp at exit 256 to access westbound I-70.

No local access or driveways will be blocked during these closures, according to CDOT.

The project addresses a stretch of I-70 where the highest number of wildlife-vehicle collisions occur east of the Eisenhower Johnson Memorial Tunnel.

“Crews have placed both the eastbound and westbound wildlife underpass structures. Additionally, the majority of the wildlife fencing has been placed. The project remains on schedule to be completed in spring 2024. The remaining work includes completing excavation under the overpass, installing wildlife cameras, and some other finishing touches,” according to a news release from CDOT.

For additional information about this project visit www.cdot.gov.

For specific traffic impacts related to this project, visit COtrip.org.

Project information hotline: 303-512-4408.

Project email: cdot_floydhillproject@state.co.us.