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CDOT Seeking Comment on Long-Term Northern I-25 Plan

Colorado Department of Transportation officials wrapped up the first of three public meetings last night discussing the future of I-25 in Northern Colorado.

The agency is nearing the end of a 45-day comment period on its long-term vision for Northern I-25, which includes:

  • General Purposes Lanes. One new general purpose lane in each direction of I-25 between State Highway (SH) 66 and SH 14.
  • Tolled Express Lanes. One buffer-separated TEL in each direction of I-25 from the existing HOV/Express Toll Lanes at approximately 84th Avenue in Denver to SH 14.
  • Interchange Upgrades. Upgrades 13 interchanges along I-25
  • Express Bus. Express bus with 13 stations along I-25, US 34 and Harmony Road with service from Fort Collins and Greeley to downtown Denver and DIA.
  • Commuter Rail. Commuter rail service with nine stations connecting Fort Collins to Longmont using the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad right-of-way, generally paralleling SH 119 then County Road 7 and tying into FasTracks North Metro line in Thornton, providing service to downtown Denver. Passengers may also connect to the FasTracks Northwest line in Longmont, which will travel to Boulder.
  • Commuter Bus. Commuter bus service with eight stations and stops along US 85 connecting Greeley to downtown Denver.
  • Congestion Management. Includes accommodations for ridesharing, carpools and vanpools along with additional bicycle and pedestrian facilities. In addition, signal timing, ramp metering on I-25, and signage will also be improved.

CDOT spokesperson Mindy Crane says if the current plan is approved, it will take 64 years to fully implement due to current funding limitations.

“We’re going to continue to look for opportunities among local agencies and our other partners to hopefully move these projects forward as much as possible,” she says. “That is why it will take phasing to get it all completed.”

The agency will host events at the Longmont Public Library later today and The Ranch in Loveland on Thursday. Both events take place between 4:30 and 7 p.m. Those who can’t make the meeting can submit their comments here.

After the comment period wraps up on October 3, Crane says a final record of decision will be issued later this fall.