US 24 ITS Fiber Optic Installation

Project Facts

  • Cost:$2.5 Million
  • Contractor: Paonia, Inc.
  • Construction Management: Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. (SEH)
  • Timeline: January 2019 – December 2019
  • Location: US 24, Woodland Park to I-25/Cimarron Street in Colorado Springs

The US 24 ITS project crews completed a fiber optic installation project between the City of Woodland Park and Interstate-25/Cimarron Street in Colorado Springs (17 miles). The project maximizes the operational efficiency and management of the existing roadway infrastructure through the use of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and devices. The fiber optics project is part of CDOT’s Smart Mobility Plan, a 5-10 year plan for statewide technology deployment. This program maximizes the benefits of new technologies in the transportation sector and the data collection helps create informed decisions to improve the transportation network while enhancing local technology.

Background

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) are defined as the application of technology to address transportation problems and to assist in the management of the transportation network. Common ITS devices include Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) used to provide traveler information, Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras used to monitor traffic conditions, electronic sensors used to detect and collect vehicle and roadway information, Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS) stations to monitor weather conditions, transit vehicles equipped with Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) to improve schedule adherence and reliability, and traffic signal systems that are programmed to adapt their timing in response to traffic congestion.

Other Project Areas

CDOT has partnered with local agencies such as Colorado Springs Utilities, El Paso County, City of Manitou Springs and Teller County to provide a path for their own fibers through this corridor. The fiber optic installation project is one of multiple Ute Pass Projects along US 24 that began in mid-2018 including completed projects such as the Rockfall Mitigation work and the Montessori Wall repairs, as well as on-going projects at Ridge Road and 31st St. and the Westside Area Action Plan in Manitou Springs.