CDOT celebrates start of I-25 North Express Lanes: Mead to Berthoud

Travel Advisory

May 30, 2024 - Northeastern Colorado - The project ties the north I-25 corridor together

Weld County — The Colorado Department of Transportation held a groundbreaking ceremony to officially kick-off the next I-25 North Express Lanes Project segment, Mead to Berthoud.

“This 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 CO 56 in Berthoud — making travel safer, more reliable and efficient in northern Colorado,” said CDOT Northeast Colorado Regional Transportation Director Heather Paddock. “Once complete in 2028, this project will complete the last missing link 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.”

The event took place at the north end of the project limits – off of Colorado Highway 56 at I-25. Representatives from CDOT, the Federal Highway Administration and Colorado Senator Barb Kirkmeyer were in attendance and gave remarks to celebrate the start of the next improvements to I-25.

CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew talked about the importance of this partnership. “I would like to recognize all of the partnership to get this project moving quickly, and the incredible work of the CDOT Region 4 team, who have delivered many segments of this project efficiently and effectively. “This link will ensure a consistent ride for both drivers and Bustang, making mass transportation even more attractive to passengers and making Northern Colorado more attractive to people who work in Denver and beyond.”

The first phase of the project includes constructing additional width on the northbound inside shoulder. Drivers should anticipate increased construction activity in the area. Construction is expected to start in May and be complete by mid-2028. Ralph L. Wadsworth & SEMA Construction are the construction managers for this project.

State Senator Barb Kirkmeyer, who was on the Weld County Board of Commissioners when a lot of the planning for I-25 ramped up, is excited. “After 50 years and 4 million more people in Colorado, and with help from county and city leaders and the business community, Colorado’s Main Street – I-25 – gets a much needed ‘makeover’ finally,” she said.

During construction, two lanes of traffic on I-25 will be maintained in each direction during peak travel times, but drivers can expect overnight lane closures in the area. In addition, lane and shoulder widths will be minimized. The speed limit will be reduced. Please pay attention and follow posted speed limit signs.

“I'm thrilled to return to Colorado to celebrate the groundbreaking of Segment 5 of the I-25 Corridor project, a project that will benefit the region and nation," said Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt. "By eliminating the bottleneck between Mead and Berthoud and enhancing multimodal connections, we're advancing safety, trip reliability, freight efficiency, and reducing emissions.”

Mayor of Mead Colleen Witlow added what this project will mean for her community. “As the Mead Mayor and a proud member of the North I-25 Coalition for the past 10 years, I am not just a representative, but also a fellow community member who shares in your excitement and pride,” she said. “This segment is more than just a road improvement; it is a testament to our collective vision and shared purpose.”

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 watch the presentation video and submit any feedback or questions to the project team at [email protected]. To watch the video, please visit the project website, the CDOT YouTube page or the I-25 North Express Lanes, Mead to Berthoud video presentation. 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 CO 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 4-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 4-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.
I-25 North Express Lane: Mead to Berthoud Start of Project Celebration
From left: Heather Paddock, Colleen Witlow, Shailen Bhatt, State Senator Barb Kirkmeyer, Shoshana Lew and Abra Geisler, project director for North I-25.

I-25 North Express Lane: Mead to Berthoud Start of Project Celebration. From left: Heather Paddock, Colleen Witlow, Shailen Bhatt, State Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer, Shoshana Lew and Abra Geisler, project director for North I-25.

I-25 North Express Lane: Mead to Berthoud Start of Project Celebration Group Photo

Know Before You Go

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!

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