CDOT Moving Forward on C-470 Tolled Express Lanes Segment I Design-Build Project

April 4, 2016 - Metro Denver Colorado/CDOT Region 1 - The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has an Apparent Selected Proposer and is one step closer to beginning construction this summer.

DOUGLAS COUNTY – "This regionally significant project for Colorado attracted global interest from the design-build industry. The great competition at the qualifications phase continued into the selection phase with three highly talented and regarded shortlisted teams. CDOT is now eagerly anticipating continued collaboration with Flatiron/AECOM as we transition into construction delivery this summer upon completion of formal contracting. The traveling public has asked CDOT to relieve congestion within this critical corridor and the team is beyond enthused to be well positioned to begin delivery," said Jerome Estes, CDOT Project Director.

Three teams were short-listed to submit proposals for the 12.5 mile C-470 Tolled Express Lanes Segment 1 Design-Build project. Flatiron/AECOM was the Apparent Selected Proposer at the price opening held March 30, 2016. Teams were evaluated based on a Best Value Determination for achieving the following project goals and objectives:

  • Optimize traffic operations on C-470 and scope of improvements within the project budget
  • Optimize operating and life-cycle maintenance costs
  • Minimize impacts to the travelling public during project construction and future construction
  • Achieve project schedule milestones

The C-470 improvements are generally described as adding Express Lanes both directions to provide drivers travel time reliability. All vehicles using the Express Lane will be tolled; there will be no HOV/carpool. The improvements are more specifically described as:

  • Adding two tolled express lanes westbound from I-25 to Colorado, one tolled express lane between Colorado and Wadsworth westbound, and one tolled express lane eastbound from Wadsworth to I-25
  • Full reconstruction of a portion of the existing pavement
  • Adding auxiliary lanes at selected locations
  • Improving portions of on-ramps and off-ramps to current standards
  • Realigning substandard curves
  • Safety and operational improvements between I-25 and Quebec via adding direct-connect ramps from I-25 to the C-470 tolled express lanes
  • Widening of existing bridges throughout the project area
  • Replacing the bridges over the South Platte River
  • Installing water-quality features where required
  • Installing noise barriers where required
  • Installing Intelligent Transportation Systems elements and tolling equipment
  • And, adding grade separations for the multi-use trail at Quebec and Colorado

Over 100,000 motorists currently use this segment of C-470 each day with volumes projected to increase 40% by 2035. The project includes innovative financing funded mostly by loans supported by toll revenues. The project cost is $276 million ($318 million, including financing). Construction is anticipated to begin this summer and is projected to be complete in the spring of 2019.

For more information about this project and to sign up for email updates regarding construction progress and impacts, visit https://www.codot.gov/projects/c470

If you would like more information, please contact Linda Wilson at 303-204-2244.