The vital east-west thoroughfare was completely closed for about a week after a rock fall damaged the roadway. That lead to hours-long detours for travelers and truckers. Earlier this week, CDOT began allowing one-way traffic through in the early morning, evening and overnight.
Now though, repair work has progressed enough that the road will not need to be closed for long periods during daylight any more, CDOT spokeswoman Amy Ford said. But drivers should still plan ahead.
"There will still be delays," Ford said.
The newly opened lanes will have no shoulders and drivers will have to follow a "pace" car. And the road will be closed for shorter periods as repair work requires it.
Commercial vehicles smaller than 10 feet wide will be able to use I-70. But larger vehicles must still use the detours on U.S. 40 and U.S. 50 north and south of the interstate.
"We are very excited to have gotten to this point," Ford said.
Ford estimated it could take a month of work to get all four lanes back to normal.
