Daily closures along Interstate 70 as part of a “rock scaling project” could result in nearly an hour of delays for motorists near Idaho Springs, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.

In early October, I-70 will be closed Monday through Thursday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. for “rock scaling” – the process of removing loose and unstable rock from the side of the highway, CDOT officials said. Work apparently began on Monday, October 7, when the road was closed for rock scaling work.

According to CDOT officials, the highway will be closed between Exit 240 for Colorado 103 and Idaho Springs and Exit 248 for Beaver Brook and Floyd Hill.

Motorists can expect backups of up to 20 minutes in both directions on I-70 and delays of up to 45 minutes as the congestion clears. CDOT officials said traffic is backed up up to six times a day, about every 60 to 75 minutes.

County Road 314 and Central City Parkway will remain open during the scaling work, CDOT officials said.

No timeline was given for completion of the rock scaling project, but CDOT officials said rock removal will be immediately followed by rock blasting.