The Colorado Dept. of Transportation, the High Performance Transportation Enterprise (HPTE) and the Colorado Bridge Enterprise recently announced the four teams shortlisted to continue the process of qualifying to build the I-70 East Project.

In response to a March release of the I-70 East Project’s Request for Qualifications, five statements of qualifications (SOQs) were submitted in June from combined teams of construction and engineering firms, operators and equity investors. The teams were evaluated on their organizational structure, experience on like projects, approach to the project and financial capacity.

The four shortlisted teams are:

• 5280 Connectors

• Kiewit/Meridiam Partners

• Front Range Mobility Group

• I-70 Mile High Partners

The teams will now be asked to respond to a request for proposals. The first draft of the RFP will be issued this fall, with the goal of selecting a private partner in 2016.

The current phase one project for I-70 East includes adding an express lane in each direction on I-70 from I-25 to I-225, removing the 50-year-old viaduct between Brighton Boulevard and Colorado Boulevard and lowering the interstate along this stretch. It also constructs a 4-acre cover over a portion of the lowered interstate. The final environmental impact statement is due to be released early next year. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2017.

“I-70 East is a critical artery for Colorado. We have the opportunity with this project to bring major improvements to this interstate and replace the aging I-70 East viaduct—the very last of the 30-worst bridges in the state not yet addressed,” said Tony DeVito, I-70 East project director. “We are very pleased with the strong interest from the industry looking to partner with CDOT to build the I-70 East Project. I look forward to entering the next step of the process with these four teams.”