CO 56 at I-25 to reopen next week, three weeks early

Travel Advisory

November 18, 2021 - Northeast Colorado - Reopening brings another safety-enhanced interchange to I-25 North corridor

WELD COUNTY — The Colorado Department of Transportation will hit a major project milestone by reopening the Weld County Road 44/Colorado Highway 56 crossing the week of Nov. 21, accelerating the closure time from 140-days to approximately 115 days. 

The project team’s goal was to have the interchange open in time for Thanksgiving travel and with the hard work of the Ralph L. Wadsworth/SEMA construction team and cooperation of good weather, the team was able to deliver.  

CDOT and the I-25 North Express Lanes Project team closed CO 56 over I-25 on Sunday, Aug. 1 and closed the northbound I-25 on- and off-ramps at CO 56 shortly after. 

“CDOT recognizes how impactful construction can be, which is why we are ecstatic the project team, with a little help from Mother Nature, exceeded the aggressive schedule of 140 days,” said Heather Paddock, CDOT Region Transportation Director. 

Similar to CO 56, the northbound ramps were reopened ahead of schedule. CDOT would like to thank travelers that frequent this area for their patience and cooperation during the closure.

The CO 56 interchange area was the most dangerous section of interstate in the northern Colorado region. This closure was required for crews to reconstruct the interchange into a safer and more efficient configuration. While the roadway was closed, construction crews “flipped” the interchange, and I-25 now traverses over CO 56. The new configuration removed unsafe curves for a safer traveling experience while improving traffic flow.

An extensive list of construction activities, in addition to reconfiguring the interchange, were performed during this closure:

  • Two new I-25 bridges over CO 56
  • Two new roundabouts and sidewalks
  • Mobility hub infrastructure
  • Drainage work, utility installation and asphalt paving

Although CO 56 is reopening, additional work and intermittent travel impacts at the interchange are still necessary for some remaining work elements. The interchange will be complete in summer/fall 2022.When the I-25: Berthoud to Johnstown Project is complete in 2024, a mobility hub located near the CO 56 interchange will also include Bustang service to/from Fort Collins and Union Station in Denver, 130 parking spaces (40 dedicated to carpoolers), and electric vehicle charging stations. 

CO 56 at I-25 map

Project Information 

For additional information about this project:

  • Project phone - 720-593-1996
  • Project email – [email protected]
  • Project website - codot.gov/projects/north-i-25
  • Sign up for weekly project updates by logging onto the project web site and filling out the right-side form to “Subscribe to Project Updates.”

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

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!