Engineering firm unveils I-70 improvement project

International engineering firm Parsons Corp has unveiled its proposed US$3.5 billion project to ease traffic on Interstate 70 through the central mountains in Eagle County, Colorado. Parsons had submitted an unsolicited proposal to Colorado Department of Transportation in 2011. The three-phase project would include tolled express lanes and a bus rapid transit system and be completed as soon as 2021. The express lanes would be reversible to accommodate peak traffic flows to and from the mountains. The proje
July 29, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
International engineering firm 4089 Parsons Corp has unveiled its proposed US$3.5 billion project to ease traffic on Interstate 70 through the central mountains in Eagle County, Colorado.  Parsons had submitted an unsolicited proposal to 5701 Colorado Department of Transportation in 2011.
 
The three-phase project would include tolled express lanes and a bus rapid transit system and be completed as soon as 2021.
 
The express lanes would be reversible to accommodate peak traffic flows to and from the mountains. The project would also straighten some curves on the interstate and resurface the existing lanes.
 
Tunnel bores would have to be added at places such as the Eisenhower Tunnel, and parts of the new lanes would be suspended like the current highway is through Glenwood Canyon.
 
"This is a very, very aggressive schedule," said Jim Bemelen, Parsons' mountain corridor manager. "It's unlikely, but the project could be completed by 2021."
 
"We are very concerned about minimising the footprint as much as possible," said Ralph Trapani, Parsons program director.
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