I-70 and Picadilly Road Interchange

The City of Aurora completed a new interchange at I-70 and Picadilly Road to improve north-south connectivity and support continued residential, commercial and industrial growth along the I-70 corridor. The new connection establishes Picadilly Road as a key regional arterial, providing greater access to I-70 and improving connections between surrounding neighborhoods, employment centers and Denver International Airport.

Delivered as the City’s first Design-Build project, the $70 million improvement included a diverging diamond interchange, new bridge over I-70, MSE walls and roadway improvements along Colfax Avenue, Smith Road and 19th Avenue. The interchange also creates a full-movement connection between I-70 and the US 40/Business 70 corridor, helping improve freight mobility, alleviate congestion and enhance safety throughout the growing Colorado Aerotropolis area.

Benesch served as the City’s Owner’s Representative, providing construction management, inspection and materials testing services throughout construction. The team coordinated closely with the City of Aurora, the Colorado Department of Transportation and the design-builder to oversee field operations, coordinate inspection activities and help ensure project requirements were met while maintaining traffic along the corridor.

Extensive coordination was required during construction to address utility relocations and challenging onsite soil conditions. High-pressure gas mains and fiber duct banks required lengthy relocation efforts, while unsuitable soils required significant material processing and imported material. Benesch worked with the contractor and project stakeholders to address these challenges, maintain progress and minimize impacts to the traveling public.

Now complete, the interchange strengthens a critical transportation connection in one of the region’s fastest-growing areas, improving access for residents, businesses and freight while supporting continued development throughout the Colorado Aerotropolis.