I-25 North Express Lanes Project celebrates progress

Weld and Larimer Counties — Every year, summer flies by, both for residents and CDOT projects. Crews on the Interstate-25 North Express Lanes Project have taken full advantage of the long summer days to bring transportation improvements to northern Colorado between Berthoud and Fort Collins.      

Currently, 42 crews are working in 25 different areas of the I-25 North corridor and have already completed many major milestones. In lieu of outreach events this season due to COVID-19, the Project team produced this video to highlight the progress.

I-25 North Express Lanes Fall 2021 Update video

Here’s a summary of what’s been accomplished so far in 2021:

• Colorado Highway 56 over I-25 bridge was closed in August to straighten the highway curve and flip the interchange. The roadway will open by the end of 2021. 
• Traffic was shifted at Colorado Highway 60, US Highway 34 and Prospect Road to move motorists onto the newly built bridges. 
• The Great Western Railroad bridge was installed over I-25. 
• The existing westbound US 34 bridge was demolished to construct the new bridge.
• The first phase of the mobility hub, which includes the pedestrian underpass, is complete at Kendall Parkway in Loveland. The mobility hub includes center access ramps for Bustang and expanded Park-n-Rides.

“It’s been a very productive year for this project. While the various closures and detours have been impactful to the communities, we know our commuters are counting on us to continue improving our state’s transportation infrastructure. The project remains on schedule and within budget and CDOT is proud of the work accomplished so far and look forward to continued progress,” said Heather Paddock, CDOT Region 4 Transportation Director. 

Over the next few months, travelers can expect to see more changes to the corridor as the project approaches new milestones. 

• At CO 56, construction of the inside of the southbound bridges will begin, once traffic is shifted to the outside lanes.     
• Paving on northbound I-25 from Colorado Highway 392 to Harmony Road will be completed, along with a new I-25 bridge just south of Kechter Road.
• At Prospect Road, work is ongoing to complete the I-25 and Prospect Road Interchange. This work includes a multi-use path on the roadway bridge for pedestrians and cyclists, final grading for seeding and bridge staining. 
• The new ports of entry were moved 2,000 feet south for improved interstate operations and will be completed and open by spring 2022.

As the I-25 North Project nears the end of 2021, the team looks forward to continuing outreach efforts and completing milestones. CDOT would like to thank the residents, commuters and business owners for their support and patience throughout this project.

Please visit www.codot.gov/projects/north-i-25, for the most current travel updates. The I-25 North Express Lanes Project: Berthoud to Fort Collins will increase highway capacity by adding an Express Lane in each direction, rebuild interchanges, replace aging bridges, straighten highway curves to improve safety, make major utility and drainage improvements, and add carpool and transit facilities. During construction on the I-25 North Express Lanes Project, motorists should expect speed reductions to 65 mph, minor lane shifts, temporary concrete barriers and median bridge work. Motorists should also expect delays during the scheduled work hours. 

Project Contact Information

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

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!