Colorado I-70 Construction Timeline

Created byCchris
📅 13 events1956-1992Updated Oct 2026
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Jun 29, 1956

Federal Highway Act Passed

President Eisenhower signs the Federal-Aid Highway Act, authorizing the Interstate Highway System including I-70 through Colorado.

Aug 14, 1957

I-70 Route Through Colorado Designated

Federal Highway Administration officially designates the route for I-70 crossing Colorado from Kansas to Utah.

Mar 15, 1959

Construction Begins on Eastern Plains

First construction on Colorado's I-70 begins on the eastern plains near Limon, the easiest terrain segment.

Oct 22, 1964

Denver Metro Section Opens

Major portions of I-70 through the Denver metropolitan area open to traffic, connecting eastern and western suburbs.

Mar 15, 1968

Eisenhower Tunnel Construction Begins

Ground breaking for the Eisenhower Tunnel, the highest vehicular tunnel in North America at 11,158 feet elevation.

Jan 1, 1970

Glenwood Canyon Work Postponed

Construction through Glenwood Canyon is postponed due to environmental concerns and engineering challenges in the narrow canyon.

Mar 8, 1973

Eisenhower Tunnel Opens (Westbound)

The westbound Eisenhower Tunnel opens, eliminating the need to cross Loveland Pass and revolutionizing mountain travel.

Dec 21, 1979

Johnson Tunnel Opens (Eastbound)

The eastbound Johnson Tunnel opens, completing the twin-bore tunnel system through the Continental Divide.

Sep 30, 1980

Western Slope Sections Completed

Most sections of I-70 on Colorado's Western Slope are completed, including areas near Grand Junction and Rifle.

Oct 15, 1980

Glenwood Canyon Construction Begins

After years of planning, construction finally begins on the most challenging 12-mile section through Glenwood Canyon.

Jun 12, 1987

Hanging Lake Viaduct Completed

The innovative Hanging Lake Viaduct is completed, featuring elevated roadway to minimize environmental impact in the canyon.

Oct 14, 1992

Glenwood Canyon Section Opens

The final 12-mile Glenwood Canyon section opens, completing I-70 across Colorado after 33 years of construction.

Oct 14, 1992

I-70 Dedication Ceremony

Official dedication ceremony celebrates completion of I-70 through Colorado, featuring the award-winning Glenwood Canyon design.