I-25 North Express Lanes: Mead to Berthoud construction starts May 12

Travel Advisory

May 8, 2024 - Northeastern Colorado - Project details explained in a new informational video

Weld County — The Colorado Department of Transportation will begin construction of the I-25 North Express Lanes, Mead to Berthoud, as soon as Sunday, May 12. The first phase of the project includes constructing additional width on the northbound inside shoulder. Drivers should anticipate increased construction activity in the area.

The project team recorded a presentation video with general project information, including schedule, scope, 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 I-25 North Express Lanes project website, the CDOT YouTube page or the I-25 North Express Lanes: Meads to Berthoud project information video. The video recording will be available on the project website for the duration of the project.

“CDOT is excited to kick off construction on this project on the heels of completing the 20 miles of express lanes to the north, this project,” said CDOT Northeast Colorado Regional Transportation Director Heather Paddock. “We ask that you continue to be attentive and patient when traveling through the work zone and along the I-25 corridor. Safety is CDOT’s number one priority, the improvements on this last stretch of 2-lane interstate will provide a safer and more efficient I-25 to northern Colorado.”

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.

Construction is expected to start in May and be complete by mid-2028. Ralph L. Wadsworth & SEMA Construction are the contractor partners for construction of this project.

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-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 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!

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!