The Colorado Department of Transportation will begin an environmental assessment for the proposed expansion of Interstate 70 west of Denver, and will hold an open house on Thursday to discuss alternatives.

In 2017, CDOT and the Federal Highway Administration started to consider infrastructure upgrades and widening of I-70 westbound between Floyd Hill in Evergreen and the Veterans Memorial Tunnels. Inclement weather and increasing volumes of traffic regularly affect travel.

CDOT has secured $100 million to perform the assessment and preliminary engineering to potentially add a third lane. The primary alternative would include constructing a new frontage road between U.S. 6 and Central City, improving interchanges and curves throughout the project area, and creating new wildlife crossings.

Two other options would involve flattening curves along eastbound I-70 or creating a new viaduct for both travel directions in Clear Creek Canyon. A “no action” alternative would only replace the bridge at the highway’s junction with U.S. 6.

CPR recently reported that traffic on I-70 is getting worse on the weekends, and that congestion is beginning earlier in the day. CDOT estimates that capacity improvements would cost $550 million, which the department does not have.

The open house will take place on Feb. 27 from 5-7 p.m. at Clear Creek High School, 185 Brook Canyon Road in Evergreen. The presentation will begin at 5:30.