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GordonThree's avatar
GordonThree
Explorer
Dec 08, 2015

Roads report i80, i76, i70

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As pointed out numerous times, my assumptions about the i70 toll road are INCORRECT no need to pile on additional corrections
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Spent the weekend driving from Michigan to Colorado and it was a great drive.

I80 from Michigan City Indiana through the exit to I-76 was clear of construction, which was a real treat. All the road resurfacing must be done, the pavement was great, very few porpoise / washboard sections, or semi truck ruts.

I76 was in pretty good shape, no major construction slow-downs, some areas had semi truck ruts and porposing in the right hand lane. The left lane was very nice.

I70 is being converted into a toll road between Denver and "The Tunnel". Major sections both ways were down to one lane for installation of EZPASS readers and electronic message boards. Westbound was moving good, east bound was a parking lot at times.

I70 the Vail Pass rest area is closed and barricaded off - not sure why, there's 0 inches of snow on the hills, a light dusting here or there.

I70 West Glenwood Canyon around Bar Ranch there are uncovered expansion joints in the road, like a huge linear pothole that crosses the entire road. Watch out for these!

I'm in Glenwood Springs at the moment, one of those expansion joints ate my trailer's suspension Monday. Will be back on the road Tuesday night as long as my axle is undamaged.
Roads and Routes
  • dapperdan's avatar
    dapperdan
    Explorer
    Dec 09, 2015
    Oh man sorry to hear about your rough luck in 70. Hopefully your damage isn't too extensive.

    I70 is going to be a toll road? REALLY???? That sucks big time. :M

    Dan
  • DrewE's avatar
    DrewE
    Explorer II
    Dec 09, 2015
    They're only adding an eastbound (part-time) toll lane, not making I-70 a toll road. This page has a good summary of the details. Very few RVs will be able to use the new lane, which will have a variable toll rate (when its open) ranging between not too bad and usurious.
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Dec 09, 2015
    DrewE wrote:
    They're only adding an eastbound (part-time) toll lane, not making I-70 a toll road. This page has a good summary of the details. Very few RVs will be able to use the new lane, which will have a variable toll rate (when its open) ranging between not too bad and usurious.


    wow that sucks... reads like its a pork-barrel project meant to benefit the company putting it in more than anything else.
  • Thom02099's avatar
    Thom02099
    Explorer II
    Dec 09, 2015
    The information on the toll portion of I-70, from the website cited:

    ** It's eastbound only.

    ** It's 13 miles, from the Empire Exit to just past Idaho Springs

    ** It's the inside shoulder of the road, so federal guidelines will allow that to happen only 72 days a year. According to the news reports, this will primarily be during ski season, according to a CDOT spokesperson that was interviewed.
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Dec 10, 2015
    dapperdan wrote:
    Oh man sorry to hear about your rough luck in 70. Hopefully your damage isn't too extensive.


    My little trailer is ready for more adventure - back on the road tomorrow early AM.

    The repair guy was amazed how low-grade the factory suspension parts were. Super small gauge shackle hardware with grade 3 fastners, cheapo bushings and even the spring that broke was very thin and low quality steel (as evidenced by excessive rust after only 2 years use)

    New 2040# triple leaf springs have been installed (a bit stiffer than the 1700# double leaf oem springs), new hanger hardware, shackle U bolts and a set of tires. Climbing back into the trailer after the suspension upgrade, I could really feel the difference - it doesn't shimmy and bounce at every footstep anymore.

    Not a cheap repair but not super expensive - luckily the axle was undamaged, as was wheel well.

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