Drivers can expect to see road closures on Interstate 70 and U.S. 40 near Genesee during the first few weeks of February as Colorado Department of Transportation employees install a new wildlife underpass and some grates and fencing, the department announced Thursday afternoon.

Closures will be in place on the roadways while the department is working on the project during the first few weeks of February.

From 7 a.m. Monday, Feb. 5 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, the department will close U.S. 40 in both directions between Genesee and Lookout Mountain. Drivers accessing U.S. 40 eastbound can detour around the closure using eastbound I-70 to Lookout Mountain. Drivers accessing U.S. 40 westbound will not be able to reach the interchanges at Genesee and Mount Vernon Road.

From 7 a.m. Monday, Feb. 12 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, the department will close the Genesee onramp to westbound I-70. Drivers accessing I-70 westbound can detour around the closure by traveling east on U.S. 40 or I-70 to Lookout Mountain and using the on-ramp to access the interstate.

The project, which includes constructing a wildlife underpass to reduce wildlife traffic across I-70, is on schedule to be completed by spring 2024, the department noted in the release. The fencing and grating being installed this month will help guide wildlife to use the underpass to cross the highway instead of crossing over the road.

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