E-470 Widening Wins 2024 CAPA Award for Project Delivery

AURORA, CO – The Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association (CAPA) has awarded the E-470 Widening Project (I-70 to 104th Avenue) the prestigious 2024 “Best in Colorado” Project Delivery Award. Recognizing excellence in quality, efficiency, innovation, safety and cost management, this award is one of CAPA’s most coveted honors.

The $302 million E-470 Widening Project added a third lane in both directions along an 11-mile stretch between I-70 and 104th Avenue, using the CMGC contract model to enhance efficiency. Benesch provided full construction management, inspection and materials testing for the transformative expansion project.

The $133 million Package A (I-70 to 56th Avenue) was specifically recognized for its outstanding asphalt paving, which included 118,000 tons of hot mix asphalt (HMA) and stone matrix asphalt (SMA). The project scope also encompassed grading and drainage improvements, an SMA overlay on existing pavement, a new tolling gantry between 26th Avenue and Toll Plaza C, a bridge and new diamond interchange at 38th Avenue, and the extension of the High Plains Multi-Use Trail adjacent to E-470.

Several innovative construction techniques contributed to the project’s success. Echelon paving was utilized for the SMA top mat, with two pavers operating side by side to eliminate joints and achieve 100% joint density incentive. Additionally, mobile LiDAR technology and 3D milling were implemented to ensure precise pavement depths and smooth rideability. To minimize traffic impacts for E-470’s 360,000 weekly users, the majority of paving was conducted at night and on weekends, allowing for strategic lane shifts that improved both safety and efficiency.

“This award is well deserved and speaks to the strong partnership built within the project team and the commitment to excellence by all involved,” said Tom Peterson, Executive Director of CAPA. “The delivery of this project was exemplary in all areas, truly one of the best of the best.” The E-470 Widening Project stands as a testament to innovative infrastructure development and a model for future highway expansion projects.

The award was formally presented to the E-470 Public Highway Authority Board of Directors at its March meeting. Accepting the award were James Brady, Director of Construction at E-470, and James Newberry, Benesch Project Manager – Construction, along with representatives from key project partners.