I-270 Corridor Improvements Study

On August 20, 2024, the Federal Highway Administration and the Colorado Department of Transportation published a Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for I-270 Improvements. Learn more on the Notice of Intent page.

About the Project

Interstate 270 (I-270) runs from Adams County towards Boulder County in Commerce City and North Denver. Every day, more than 100,000 vehicles travel the highway. Depending on location, 8-17 percent of its daily traffic is freight trucks. The congested interstate carries far more traffic than it was designed for. The pavement and bridges are stressed by the traffic loads, and emergency repairs are needed regularly. The corridor also lacks safe and efficient walking, cycling, and public transportation options for residents and businesses near the highway.

Culturally diverse neighborhoods surround the I-270 corridor and rely on and are affected by the interstate. Residents and other groups have raised concerns that communities in the study area may not experience environmental justice. Environmental justice is defined in various ways in both state and federal laws, regulations, and/or guidance, and generally means fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of income, race, color, national origin, Tribal affiliation, or disability. 

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) began a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process in 2020, initially anticipating an Environmental Assessment. Moving into 2023, CDOT determined a more detailed environmental review was needed and requested an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) be initiated. A Notice of Intent to prepare an EIS for this project is anticipated.

Schedule & Important Dates

Environmental Study Completion: Fall 2026

I-270 Corridor Improvements Study Area

I-270 Neighborhoods Base Map

A map of the project area with the project limits highlighted in yellow along I-270 from I-25 to I-70.

 Purpose and Need

The purpose of the I‐270 Corridor Improvements project is to:

  • Implement transportation solutions that modernize the I-270 corridor to accommodate existing and forecasted transportation demands.

The identified transportation needs are as follows:

  • Traveler safety on the corridor
  • Travel time and reliability on the corridor
  • Transit on the corridor
  • Bicycle and pedestrian connectivity across I-270
  • Freight operations on the corridor

In addition to addressing project needs, CDOT, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and participating agencies have established a key project goal: to minimize environmental and community impacts resulting from the project. The project planning and decision-making process will consistently remain mindful of this environmental goal.