I-25 North Express Lanes Project hits major milestones in 2021

Northeastern Colorado — As we turn the calendar to 2022, the I-25 North Express Lanes construction crews and the Colorado Department of Transportation want to look back at another year of progress on the I-25 North corridor.

From Berthoud all the way up to Fort Collins, residents and commuters alike navigated around more construction signage, activity and a few closures and detours along the I-25 North corridor this past year. Although there were new route changes and road closures, this means the project is making progress and one step closer to bringing the new and improved I-25 North on time and on budget for Colorado to use and enjoy.

As Coloradans and visitors continued to travel the interstate this year, here’s some of the major work crews accomplished:

Constructed new bridges on I-25 between, and including, the Little Thompson River and Larimer County Road 16.

Closed Colorado Highway 56 at I-25 and reopened ahead of schedule after 115 days to flip and straighten the interchange so CO 56 now runs under I-25.

Moved motorists onto new bridges and shifted traffic at US Highway 34 and Prospect Road.

Completed the second phase of the new Great Western Railroad (GWRR) bridge over I-25.

Completed phase one of the southbound I-25 widening from Larimer County Road 14 to CO 56.

Completed Colorado Highway 60 bridges over I-25 to prepare for interchange completion in 2022.

11 of 17 bridges are under construction or were constructed between Johnstown and Fort Collins. Three of them were completed from start to finish in 2021.

65,000 square feet of walls were constructed between Johnstown and Fort Collins.

Placed 156,000 square yards of concrete in 2021 between Johnstown and Fort Collins.

CDOT is excited with the progress the project team accomplished this past year, as well as over the last two years. The illustrations below show just how much has been completed on this project in both 2021 and 2020.

As 2022 continues, the project team expects to complete the following improvements along the I-25 North corridor:

• Complete the US 34 and I-25 interchange into its final configuration.
• Shift northbound and southbound I-25 to its final alignment from Colorado Highway 402 to Colorado Highway 392.
• Complete the Kechter Road bridge over I-25 and open it to traffic.
• Complete the northbound and southbound I-25 Ports of Entry.
• Complete 16 of 17 bridges between Johnstown and Fort Collins.
• Continue work on I-25, the southbound ramps and bridge work at the CO 56 interchange.
• Begin Diverging Diamond Interchange work at the CO 60 and I-25 interchange.
• Complete the CO 60 and CO 56 interchanges, including the aesthetic work for the Town of Johnstown at CO 60.
• Substantially complete the CO 56 Mobility Hub, including the carpool lot.

About I-25 North Express Lanes: Berthoud to Fort Collins

The I-25 North Express Lanes Project 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 two mobility hub transit facilities. During construction on the I-25 North Express Lanes Project, motorists should expect speed reductions to 55 or 65 mph, minor lane shifts, temporary concrete barriers and median bridge work. Motorists should also expect delays during the scheduled work hours. Construction is expected to be complete in early 2024.

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 web site 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!