KUSA — It’s the fastest-growing part of Colorado, but that doesn’t mean the infrastructure has kept up.
The Front Range saw 96 percent of the state’s population growth between 2010 and 2015, according to a study by the Colorado State Demography Office.
But despite that rapid growth, long swaths of Interstate 25 between Denver and two population centers are still only two lanes.
That’s a problem – but it’s one that two big construction projects slated to start this week aim to solve … in a few years, anyway. And like many recent big highway expansions in Colorado, the new lanes will require tolls (unless you’ve got three people or more in your car, and a transponder).
Here’s a look at the widening projects on I-25 both north and south of Denver – and what you'll notice on the road.
I-25 SOUTH GAP PROJECT FROM MONUMENT TO CASTLE ROCK
Why is this project happening?
This 18-mile stretch of I-25 is notoriously congested … and dangerous. Two Colorado State troopers were killed within a little more than a year of each other in roughly the same area just south of Castle Rock, and the Colorado Department of Transportation said there has been an uptick in crashes here over the past few years.
In addition to adding the Express Lane, this project will also widen the shoulders – making it safer for first responders.
When does it start?
This project officially broke ground on Tuesday (don’t get that confused with the “groundbreaking ceremony” last week, which was attended by “officials with shovels”).
Those crews are kicking off the first of three phases in the project, which is slated to last until late 2021, with Express Lane testing into 2022.
What will I notice right away?
The first part of the project will involve work in the median. That includes grading and paving the area, as well as adding new permanent barriers.
This is ahead of the second phase, which will shift traffic into these new inner lanes. That’s slated to start sometime late this year or early next year.
But as for the very near future, expect new traffic patterns between Plum Creek Parkway and Skyview Lane near Castle Rock starting as soon as Sept. 14.
And during the day, crews will close the right shoulders in both directions of the highway between Plum Creek and Palmer Lake to complete utility and pothole work.
If you’re driving overnight this week, expect a lane closure on southbound I-25 between Plum Creek and Tomah Road.
Also, while construction is underway, the speed limit will be reduced from 75 to 65 mph.
For the latest information about the traffic impacts of this project during any given week, head to: https://bit.ly/2CjZo4R
What about the next couple of phases?
According to CDOT’s brochure about the project, the entire 18-mile corridor will “experience active construction” by next summer.
By this winter, meanwhile, traffic will be rerouted onto what’s now the median (we already discussed that), and crews will work on raising I-25 north of Greenland Road to accommodate a new wildlife crossing.
This will also include replacing a single-lane box culvert in the area with a two-lane bridge, and flattening curves.
The last segment, starting in summer 2019, is the one CDOT called the most complex. This will involve bridge replacements at Upper Lake Gulch Road, Spruce Mountain Road and Plum Creek, as well as expanding five existing wildlife crossings.
How much is this going to cost?
The project’s budget is $350 million, with contributions from Douglas and El Paso counties, Pikes Peak Regional Transportation Authority and a federal INFRA grant.
How can I learn more?
For full information about the project – including studies and an explainer about Express Lanes – check out this link: https://bit.ly/2wGreCi
NORTH I-25 EXPRESS LANES FROM JOHNSTOWN TO FORT COLLINS
Why is this happening?
Dude, have you like, driven between Denver and Fort Collins recently?
But seriously, CDOT says because of big population growth along the I-25 corridor in northern Colorado, infrastructure expansions are very much needed. So brace yourself: Express lanes are coming.
When does it start?
Construction begins on Sept. 9 starting at 9 p.m., with a full closure of the East Frontage Road between Colorado Highway 392 and Crossroads Boulevard.
For what it’s worth, this frontage road will close permanently at Larimer County Road 30 to make the expansion happen.
What will I notice right away?
Construction on I-25 between Crossroads in Loveland and basically CO 392 in Loveland begins on Sept. 9 at 9 p.m. This construction will happen in two phases: adding the lane on the northbound side followed by southbound.
Most of the work will be overnight, and while CDOT says a lot of it will be off the road, nighttime lane closures could still be necessary.
At night, you’ll see crews setting up barriers on both sides of the Interstate, doing paving work and restriping the road for potential lane shifts.
What’s the end goal?
In addition to adding the Express Lanes, this project will also replace four aging bridges and widen four others.
CDOT also claims the changes will reduce total trip time by bus in the corridor by 15 minutes with the addition of new bus ramps from I-25 to a new Park-n-Ride.
Another part of the project will add bicycle access to I-25 under Kendall Parkway and connect the Poudre trail to 100 miles of other networks.
The project is slated to end in 2022.
There’s no word yet on how much the tolls will cost.
How much will this cost?
The project is budgeted for $300 million and came from a U.S. Department of Transportation grant, local governments in the area, and partnerships, federal grants, and a gas tax.
For more information on the north side of the I-25, go to: https://bit.ly/2EUNdrJ
