Colorado Mountain Roads Face Summer Construction Delays

May 28, 2025 – Colorado — As the summer travel season heats up, so does construction across Colorado’s scenic mountain highways. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has announced a sweeping series of infrastructure projects aimed at improving safety, durability, and traffic flow for millions of seasonal travelers. These efforts will bring significant delays and detours to some of the state’s most popular roadways, including I-70, US 40, and US 160.

Due to Colorado’s notoriously long winters—where snow blankets mountain roads for nearly eight months—CDOT leverages the warmer, snow-free months to complete critical upgrades. From resurfacing and wall replacement to wildlife underpasses and rockfall mitigation, crews will be active across multiple regions.

“Projects aim to ensure safer, smoother travel for the millions of residents and visitors,” CDOT emphasized in a recent travel advisory.

Key Corridors to Watch

I-70 Mountain Corridor: One of the busiest and most vital mountain travel arteries, I-70 will see substantial traffic holds due to rock scaling and blasting work between Floyd Hill and Vail Pass. In total, seven major improvement efforts are planned along this corridor. Travelers can expect daytime delays and are encouraged to sign up for alerts by texting “vailpass” or “floydhill” to 21000.

US 40 in Grand County: Roadwork along US 40 will affect travel from Empire through Winter Park to just before Granby. These projects—focused on resurfacing and safety—are expected to cause weekday slowdowns.

CO 82 – Independence Pass: One of the most picturesque summer drives, the pass will be under construction in three locations between Twin Lakes and Glenwood Springs.

Statewide Coverage of Work Zones

Construction will also affect popular entry points into Rocky Mountain National Park along US 34 and US 36, and several southern mountain passes:

• Pagosa Springs (US 160): A full downtown street reconstruction, including new sidewalks and pedestrian access.
• Coal Bank Pass (US 550): A high-elevation project between Durango and Silverton involving a wall replacement and rockfall mitigation.
• Wolf Creek Pass (US 160): Resurfacing from Treasure Falls to the summit, including bridge deck and culvert repairs.
• Fort Garland to La Veta Pass (US 160): Safety improvements, including three wildlife underpasses and new turning lanes.

In southeastern Colorado, resurfacing and widening projects will affect US 24 from Divide to Woodland Park and CO 67 through Teller County. US 285 in Park County will also undergo enhancements from Pine Junction to Bailey.

Motorists should prepare for reduced speed limits, daytime lane closures, and work zones that could shift traffic during non-peak hours.

Stay Informed and Plan Ahead

“Travelers are urged to ‘know before you go,’” CDOT reminds motorists, encouraging the use of its COtrip.org website and COtrip Planner App to monitor conditions in real time. The agency also recommends signing up for project alerts and checking social media for updates.

Additional tools include:

• COtrip Planner App: Includes a “Report Rockfall” feature to alert CDOT to hazards quickly.
• Transit Options: CDOT urges visitors to skip the drive by using Bustang or Pegasus services out of Denver, and local mountain transit once at their destination. Visit GoI70.com/transit and RideBustang.com for more.

Safe Driving in Construction Zones

To protect workers and travelers alike, CDOT offers the following guidance:

• Obey posted speed limits.
• Avoid distractions and mobile devices.
• Watch for workers and merge safely.
• Turn on headlights and expect lane shifts.
• Leave space between vehicles and be patient during delays.

“Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone,” CDOT urges all drivers.

As millions prepare to hit the road for summer adventures, these projects are a reminder of the balance between scenic drives and necessary infrastructure investment to keep those drives safe and accessible for the future.

Originally reported by CODOT.