CDOT’s I-25 North Express Lanes team asks drivers to be the solution and do their part in the cone zone

News Release

August 26, 2024 - Northeastern Colorado - $625+ the cost of traffic violations for unsafe driving in active construction zone

Weld County - Construction on the I-25 North Express Lanes, Mead to Berthoud Project started in May. Between May and July:

  • 42 percent of crashes within the corridor were a result of careless driving
  • 31 percent of crashes were a result of following too close
  • 8 percent were a result of distracted driving

In an effort to keep safety top of mind, travelers will notice increased safety messaging on their drive through this section of the I-25 North corridor. The best way to reduce crashes in the active construction zone is for all drivers to be the solution and do their part: obey the posted speed limit of 65 mph and never drive distracted.

With approximately four years of construction remaining on the I-25 North Express Lanes, Mead to Berthoud segment, CDOT and the entire project team are implementing a safety campaign of additional messaging on the roadway and on social media to remind drivers to do their part, slow down and never drive distracted in the active construction zone.

When the project is complete, the I-25 North corridor will be a safer, more efficient drive. Crashes are down 58 percent compared to pre-construction conditions on the Berthoud to Fort Collins segments. Until the improvements are done, drivers must be the solution and do their part to keep themselves and others safe.

Traffic back-ups in a construction zone can be caused by a variety of factors—similar to any major Colorado roadway. Speeding and careless driving, including distracted driving are at the top of the list. Crashes can also create traffic congestion, especially in an active construction work zone, when shoulders and lane widths are reduced. Depending on the severity of the crash, law enforcement may require one or multiple temporary lane closures to protect those involved in the crash, which can mean standstill traffic for everyone else on the road.

A CDOT crash data analysis shows that between 2021 and 2023, 751 Coloradans died as a result of speeding. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 8,236 fatal traffic crashes related to speeding in 2022. That’s more than one of the nation’s most tragic events, the 9/11 attacks where 2,977 people were killed.

When looking at the I-25 North corridor, approximately 3,200 speeding tickets have been issued to date. Fines for speeding in an active construction work zone are doubled, and can be more than $625. The posted speed limit in the I-25 North Express Lanes Project, Mead to Berthoud is 65 mph to allow drivers to safely maneuver the lane shifts and merging construction traffic. Driving any speed faster than 65 mph puts drivers and those around them at an increased risk for crash, injury or worse.

Unsafe driving behaviors, such as speeding and following too close, can lead to crashes no matter the location, but in an active construction zone, a crash also puts the lives of construction crews working next to live traffic at a much higher risk. “Whatever reason you may have to speed doesn’t justify breaking a law set in place to keep people safe,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Work zone speeds are set after considering factors such as construction zone barrier arrangements and road design, visibility and potential hazards. Speed limits aren't suggestions, they are the law.”

Speeding isn’t the only cause for concern for those traveling the I-25 North corridor, Mead to Berthoud. Distracted driving is another common cause for crashes in the active construction zone. CDOT’s 2023 Driver Behavior Survey found that 76 percent of Colorado drivers reported using their phone (hands-free or handheld) while driving. “People often think crashes in a construction zone are a result of construction operations,” said Chief Packard. “But when we look at the data, it’s the drivers. It’s the unsafe driving behaviors like driving distracted or speeding in the cone zone that lead to more crashes.”

It’s up to you, Colorado. Be the solution and do your part to reduce crashes not only across the state, but in the I-25 North Express Lanes Project, Mead to Berthoud active construction zone. Obey the posted speed limit of 65 mph and never drive distracted.

For detailed project information, the project team recorded a presentation video covering everything from schedule and scope, to travel impacts, ways to connect with the project and more! Community members are encouraged to check out the presentation video and submit any feedback or questions to the project team at [email protected]. To access the video, please visit the I-25 North Express Lanes project website or the CDOT YouTube page. The video recording will be available on the project website for the duration of the project.

What is the I-25 North Express Lanes Project, Mead to Berthoud?

This project on the I-25 North corridor is a continuation of the approximately 20 miles of improvements that have been completed on I-25 between Berthoud to Fort Collins over the past six years. This approximately six-mile project will expand and enhance I-25, from Colorado Highway 66 in Mead and connect to the newly built portion of I-25 just south of Colorado Highway 56 in Berthoud. Once complete in 2028, this project will complete a major missing puzzle piece on I-25 and will be the first time there will be more than two lanes of I-25 from Denver to Fort Collins in both directions.

This project will:

  • Reduce congestion, vehicle accidents, fatalities and greenhouse gas emissions
  • Improve trip reliability and freight efficiency
  • Increase user choice by adding an Express Lane in both directions
  • Improve aging infrastructure

Specific corridor improvements include:

  • Widen the inside roadway shoulder to 10 feet and the outside roadway shoulder to 12 feet (both are currently four feet wide)
  • Fully reconstruct the I-25 and Weld County Road 34 interchange
  • Fully reconstruct bridges along this section of I-25, including:
    • Weld County Road 32
    • Weld County Road 34
    • I-25 over Great Western Railway
    • Weld County Road 38
    • I-25 over Valley Road
  • Reconstruct I-25 to add one 12-foot Express Lane in each direction from CO 66 to just south of CO 56 with a four-foot painted buffer separating the tolled Express Lane from the general purpose travel lanes
  • Install and integrate tolling and Intelligent Transportation Systems equipment

I-25 North Express Lanes Project Contact Information

  • Project phone line - 720-593-1996
  • Project email – [email protected]
  • Project website - www.codot.gov/projects/northi25
  • Sign up for weekly project updates on the project website by clicking the “Stay Informed” box on the upper, right side of the page.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts, anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions before hitting the road. CDOT and other 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!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!