Paving complete on CO 119 in Boulder Canyon

News Release

November 13, 2020 - Project nears completion, but not yet at the finish line

BOULDER — Crews on the Colorado Highway 119 project have reached a significant milestone by completing all paving between Boulder and Nederland. After reconstructing several portions of the highway and completing the paving, the temporary traffic signals have been removed and cycling restrictions lifted. Work continues on the pedestrian path, but cyclists can now travel the corridor in both directions on the roadway.

Completing paving was prioritized as seasonal temperatures have been dropping, and although the project is nearing the finish line, a handful of key items are ongoing. Daily single-lane closures will be used through January for retaining wall construction, guardrail installation and work related to extending the trail. Following this work, crews will return in spring 2021 for temperature-dependent work such as striping, landscape, and sign and delineator installation.

“Our crews have been working meticulously to complete the paving work before winter and we are very proud to have reached this milestone,” CDOT Regional Transportation Director Heather Paddock said. “We are grateful to the surrounding communities for their patience during this impactful work.”

Overall, the project has made significant progress this year. In addition to completing the paving work, crews also completed 66,000 cubic yards of rock excavation and placed 58,000 tons of asphalt. The Nederland Roundabout construction, rock scaling, construction of the pedestrian tunnel, and the Boulder Falls parking lot reconstruction are also complete.

The team will continue to coordinate project impacts with emergency responders.

What’s Next

Drivers should expect lane closures through January 2021. Following this work, crews will return in spring 2021 for temperature-dependent work such as striping, landscape, and sign and delineator installation. The work next season will have minor impacts on travelers. “We are in the home stretch. We know that this project has been challenging for the residents of Nederland especially, and CDOT truly appreciates your patience,” CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew said. “The next few weeks will be important to getting the road almost back to normal before winter, and next season we will complete the finishing touches — which will be minimally disruptive.” 

Drivers should continue to check the project website, email updates and hotline for updated travel information. See contact information below.

COVID-19

Safe transportation infrastructure is essential for emergency first responders and freight drivers as Colorado navigates the COVID-19 pandemic. With that in mind, road maintenance and construction continues on CDOT projects with social distancing and other health safety measures to reduce COVID-19 exposure on the worksite. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced guidelines for construction activities. The public is urged to join the campaign for #DoingMyPartCO by practicing social distancing, wearing face masks, staying at home when possible, and avoiding nonessential travel. With fewer vehicles on the roads, CDOT crews will be able to work more efficiently and safely.

Travel Impacts

Anyone wanting to receive text alerts about this project and the closure can text CO119 to 21000.

 

Stay Informed

Travelers can obtain information about this closure and construction project by: 

 

Remember: Slow for the Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!

 

Whole system. Whole safety.

In early 2019, CDOT announced its Whole System — Whole Safety initiative to heighten safety awareness. This initiative takes a systematic, statewide approach to safety combining the benefits of CDOT’s programs that address driving behaviors, our built environment and the organization's operations. The goal is to improve the safety of Colorado’s transportation network by reducing the rate and severity of crashes and improving the safety of all transportation modes. The program has one simple mission—to get everyone home safely. 

 

About CDOT

CDOT has approximately 3,000 employees located at its Denver headquarters and in regional offices throughout Colorado, and manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway and 3,429 bridges. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of other agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments and airports. It also administers Bustang, the state-owned and operated interregional express service. Gov. Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options.