[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6174791,"mediaKeyId","5364967-2dfad95fb7ae7447a58c3ca1ffa14002","parentId",5364967,"title","CDOT outlines corridor work — I-70, U.S. 50 and local improvements — but stresses limited windows and funding","audioSeconds",1361,"startMs",1553000,"endMs",2914000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5364967-2dfad95fb7ae7447a58c3ca1ffa14002&start=1553&end=2914","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5364967-2dfad95fb7ae7447a58c3ca1ffa14002/thumbnail_1553000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6174791/Colorado/CDOT-outlines-corridor-work-I-70-US-50-and-local-improvements-but-stresses-limited-windows-and-funding","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6174791-9464dd83f5f5179f0d2f79d0e131d324/orig.mp4?Expires=1770922265&Signature=L3uXkfxkM5SqLZl2aW3IE5pk~LsDH2s-ZlIqPKzCd-5tEAtedqlxmQfFCzWxs7SFmBaFPsr6UC8VoQjD2i~S1cuzauI3C1dCy91g-3Gkd-vmDXOuF-qTtPGQxp0zGNHZjjg41pB7TG7mfx~3-QPvRA1YU1sFvS~UN48rClpQGsDVKEb4WPftV2MzvZD7vqNUw2nsDmCMaaMOgbiZzGJLpWSaByYVJEJvoGDh3DLtBpI8wk~YRiS97d-IOQTWlBCKyT0An-LvV66CAltVLv2qMKjrcvBAYHiSYj~Lgy-2RGGvUmER68lAbKgccrF1sgssj4lbTYiej2YcxLW3YtNLiw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Colorado Department of Transportation","date","2025-07-10T22:42:07Z","article","CDOT regional staff told callers the agency is advancing multiple corridor projects and operational improvements across western Colorado but that weather, terrain and funding limit what can be delivered each construction season.

Staff described ongoing work on U.S. 50 at Blue Mesa — bridges and associated corridor work — and said it is in late stages with an expected finish in the summer season. CDOT also described work to add passing lanes and operational improvements on I‑70 to improve safety and travel through mountain passes, and design work in Frisco and other areas to reconstruct ramps and improve traffic flow.

Why it matters: Improvements on I‑70 and U.S. 50 affect regional freight, tourism and daily commutes; construction timing in mountain corridors is limited to short seasons and crews must balance safety and traffic impacts.

What CDOT described
- Jason Smith and Julie Constant summarized work on major corridors, noting finishing work on U.S. 50 Blue Mesa bridges and operational projects on I‑70, including added passing lanes in congested segments and design efforts to rebuild ramps and approaches in high-traffic towns such as Frisco.
- Staff said seasonal constraints — snow removal and short construction windows — and limited funding require bundling and sequencing projects so that crews use available construction seasons efficiently.

Callers asked about local lane additions, turn lanes and whether repaving projects should include added turn or auxiliary lanes; staff said those improvements are considered when growth or safety data justify adding capacity and when local partners can help fund or sponsor expansions.

No votes or final project authorizations occurred on the call. Staff urged patience for short-term traffic impacts and asked drivers to slow for work zones to protect crews.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","CDOT 2050 Teléfono del Ayuntamiento Distrito 7","oneSentenceSummary","Agency staff described projects and operational work across the region including I-70 operational improvements, the nearing completion of U.S. 50 Blue Mesa bridge work, passing lanes and local ramp reconstructions, while stressing winter construction windows and funding constraints.","taxTitle","Transportation Commission, Governor's Boards and Commissions, Organizations, Executive, Colorado","taxId",27826,"location","Colorado","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6174796,"Riders press CDOT for more intercity and local bus service; officials point to partnerships and funding limits",217,2068000,2285000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5364967-2dfad95fb7ae7447a58c3ca1ffa14002&start=2068&end=2285","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5364967-2dfad95fb7ae7447a58c3ca1ffa14002/thumbnail_2068000.jpg","/articles/6174796/Colorado/Riders-press-CDOT-for-more-intercity-and-local-bus-service-officials-point-to-partnerships-and-funding-limits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6174796-4056ce15cc90f85bd8af4d205aa1c169/orig.mp4?Expires=1770922265&Signature=d27-BVAdjS8whzlVJo8Cohw3QENQwQszeJNvR6Kpm-Tkwi8rx2FGz4ZWKdjQD1RfZJx1i2oXtSvEZsGO9WmOi5ey3sYEdmuGNEPm3MaoFRnd21hW8fk~3IR1C~1BEOZH9mWhTN2m4DSulv~nzn6r7Wo-FrHH5aNIh6Tky0taUmcUR3P95nJlYKnl31ChwnTQA156fZsBpA~uHVjBFViLS0IPAPZCFCartnYkxbLXr8ty4PPKfJ9yICaVc~lfMzeyrUvHSLaY3hsi4de71ekrYUZVhtSFXpECeBfVkPgT~4bweWxse3HYmTJFStq87TySzIXaVIqKGYmKDL4pgzOdpQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Riders on CDOT’s outreach call described gaps in local and intercity bus service that make same‑day medical trips and regular travel difficult, and asked CDOT to fund more frequent or expanded routes.

Key voices included Michael, a Garfield County resident who said he cannot drive because of a neurological condition and that his home has only a single daily bus stop that prevents same‑day round trips for medical care. “My concern is when will you be able to fund expanded service so a rider like me can make a same‑day round trip,” Michael said during public comment.

Why it matters: Transit frequency and connection gaps affect riders who lack reliable access to medical care, work and other services. Officials said CDOT partners with local operators such as Valley Transit and intercity services such as Bustang but cannot directly finance all service expansions.

What officials said
- Commissioner Barbara Bowman responded that CDOT has expanded some intercity routes in the past and described recent additions and route doublings on I‑70 corridors; she said a new transit connection is expected to be completed this summer.
- Staff said CDOT is coordinating with Valley Transit and other local providers to identify where funding or schedule changes could improve connectivity and that opportunities exist through grants and regional planning partnerships.

Requests from callers included more frequent buses, additional stops to enable same‑day trips and better coordination between regional and metropolitan services. Callers described long travel distances to Denver or other cities and the difficulty of timing infrequent buses.

CDOT did not commit to specific service expansions on the call. Staff said they will take input back to transit partners and highlighted grant-seeking and coordination as the likely avenues to expand service.","Callers from Grand Junction and other western Colorado communities described limited bus frequency and single daily stops that prevent same‑day round trips for medical and work trips; CDOT staff and the commissioner said they are working with Valley Transit and Bustang but funding constrains service expansion.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6174801,"Callers urge lower speeds, wildlife protections on Highway 82 and other corridors",124,1127000,1251000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5364967-2dfad95fb7ae7447a58c3ca1ffa14002&start=1127&end=1251","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5364967-2dfad95fb7ae7447a58c3ca1ffa14002/thumbnail_1127000.jpg","/articles/6174801/Colorado/Callers-urge-lower-speeds-wildlife-protections-on-Highway-82-and-other-corridors","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6174801-164898a0af8e84851e21fbc41558a74b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770922265&Signature=ZdL4e6Ttjxoo2MXy6vVIEFPIAU995mMKN1-dR4CssoNyTgAkc3bPcmm0DYj4TXSNvPhos9vjcmWUk6W095ge~i1MFUWRxXg2nL3e7bt6zqwTQKSZGhkb4jFvDFAtCL8dYtUsNzbTVW3uWd6AXhnmNyxqhYOLC0kkX9fL7EWu87~COp6uPsmyyntOlahOeOM7or0y-86YEOvW9bNeC~h5VbYZllfa6e93K6dWFoWjglHYaA8kVQJmWCimF52uX5ZY6~EBk4H61UOt8RCGBQu-xH40GLW4IwRSgZmXAz7cbFBbA4sL0buHDkecNWfTfxqOGiVWuxtIVJv7F892lXgZIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents in Garfield and adjacent counties told CDOT officials they want lower speed limits and more wildlife protection on corridors where animals and vehicles frequently collide.

A caller identifying herself as Miriam of Garfield County said the Highway 82 corridor has seen growing traffic and “a high number of head‑on crashes and flooding-related closures,” and she asked for lower speeds and more wildlife protections. “Estoy pidiendo por la implementación de velocidades más bajas en esta área, especialmente en los corredores donde hay vida silvestre,” Miriam said.

Why it matters: Wildlife–vehicle collisions affect public safety, emergency road closures and local economies that depend on reliable corridors. CDOT staff said wildlife mitigation — such as underpasses, overpasses and fencing — can be effective but is expensive and typically tied to larger corridor projects.

What CDOT said
- Jason Smith and other staff acknowledged the Highway 82 corridor is increasingly congested with local and tourist traffic and that wildlife collisions are a growing concern. Staff said some projects have included fencing and crossings; they described a recent pass project that included about 10 miles of fencing and crossing work to reduce wildlife collisions.
- Staff told callers that wildlife-protection measures are considered during project design and when funding allows, but that these features must compete with other priorities such as pavement preservation and safety treatments.

Details callers emphasized: callers linked collisions to growing local development and peak‑season congestion; they urged lower posted speeds and more monitoring/enforcement. Staff said speed studies and requests from local governments or project sponsors trigger reviews, and that funding availability determines whether crossing structures or other mitigation are included in construction.

No formal policy changes or project approvals were made on the call. CDOT staff encouraged local partners to submit formal requests and said mitigation is prioritized when it can be bundled with larger corridor work.","Residents and CDOT staff discussed frequent wildlife collisions and requested lower speed limits and wildlife crossings on busy corridors such as Highway 82; staff said these solutions are costly and must be prioritized among other projects.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6174806,"Residents prioritize potholes, safety and more transit in CDOT Transportation Plan 2050 outreach",624,201000,825000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5364967-2dfad95fb7ae7447a58c3ca1ffa14002&start=201&end=825","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5364967-2dfad95fb7ae7447a58c3ca1ffa14002/thumbnail_201000.jpg","/articles/6174806/Colorado/Residents-prioritize-potholes-safety-and-more-transit-in-CDOT-Transportation-Plan-2050-outreach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6174806-9e02bfcb34148cbcc3135d776214ed15/orig.mp4?Expires=1770922265&Signature=mqkiz3oDkdH6eAmeBcaux3y9LAkKCFCNl~geRncAdP4ICjnS8BF~RARFC3J6O~D9truryREa9edpo6QEEHl3bo78CP~dSI6Jc1pFeCiKrPPF57AK7ZCw~iYoE-GeR3MtOkYQV2B04JiNusvEsrbVb7j~jz6FkmdCDPrZJdNil8KBloTFe2rj42-EOHwNXjWSD2QEw6EKM-S5OGkQA~D0lhH5rFKQ2EFWu-8ot~jUmykUqNrE8BPkxW471DY3y3q-Sg5ddCa0GTPbsw~oPeY41NA13434NhECnAw-BHuvzutE3FAYR9VCDMLTTKluv-JThcsu4YSZqlX-cGitkw90gg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Colorado Department of Transportation officials held a regional outreach call Oct. 10 to solicit public input for the agency’s Your Transportation Plan 2050, and residents ranked road repair, safety and more transit as their top priorities.

The public-comment portion and live polls showed repair and maintenance as the leading concern. In the first poll, 33% of respondents selected potholes and pavement damage as their top worry, 30% chose lack of maintenance or repaving and smaller shares picked bridge condition or no concern. Staff summarized a second poll showing 37% named speeding as their top safety worry, 25% cited winter driving, and 17% pointed to dangerous intersections.

Agency leaders told callers the outreach will inform a long-range plan CDOT is drafting for the next 20-plus years. “La prioridad que tenemos es arreglar nuestras calles… nuestra segunda prioridad es la seguridad vial… y la tercera prioridad es incrementar las opciones de transporte sostenible,” said Jason Smith, CDOT regional director, in Spanish during opening remarks, listing pavement repair, roadway safety and sustainable-mode options as the agency’s priorities.

Why it matters: CDOT’s long-range plan will guide where limited state transportation dollars are spent over decades. Staff said the state’s motor‑fuel tax has not been adjusted in about 30 years and that vehicle fuel efficiency and growth in electric vehicles reduce revenue tied to gallons sold, complicating maintenance planning and project sequencing.

What officials said and what the public asked
- CDOT staff described the region’s core constraints: mountain climate and weather that shortens construction windows, rugged terrain that concentrates needs on corridors such as I‑70, U.S. 50 and Highway 82, and flat funding that has not kept pace with material and labor costs. Smith noted the state motor‑fuel tax is approximately 23 cents per gallon and has been effectively unchanged for decades.
- Staff said they are exploring options for collecting revenue from electric vehicles and looking for grants and partnerships to stretch existing funds.
- Participants urged CDOT to balance repair needs with multimodal investments; several callers from Grand Junction, Garfield County and Mesa County said they rely on cars but still want improved transit and safer pedestrian/bike facilities.
- Commissioners and staff emphasized crew safety and temporary traffic impacts during construction. “When you see our crews working, please slow down and heed signage,” Jason Smith said near the end of the call.

Clarifying details from the call: poll results were reported as percentages (33% potholes; 30% maintenance/repaving; 37% speeding as top safety concern; 30% of respondents selected more public transit as the mode priority; 27% preferred driving; 14% chose biking/walking). Callers also referenced a state budget shortfall of about $3 billion raised during discussion of funding constraints. CDOT staff said a project on U.S. 50 at Blue Mesa — bridges and associated work — is in its final stages and expected to be complete later in the summer season (staff described it as “final stage” and targeted for completion by the end of July).

Process and next steps: CDOT said responses from the outreach will inform a 20‑year plan that CDOT will cascade into 10‑year and four‑year programs for budgeting and construction. Staff encouraged residents to complete the online survey at yourtransportationplan.com and said project lists are being compared with local planning partners to set priorities.

The call included multiple public commenters and agency leaders from CDOT; no formal votes or binding decisions were taken on the call. CDOT staff said funding limits will determine which projects move forward and that some work must wait for additional revenue or grant awards.","In a CDOT regional outreach call, callers and agency staff said repairing roads, improving safety and expanding multimodal options emerged as the public’s top priorities; participants and staff also discussed a long-unchanged motor-fuel tax and the challenge of funding projects across rugged terrain and winter months.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

CDOT outlines corridor work — I-70, U.S. 50 and local improvements — but stresses limited windows and funding

Riders press CDOT for more intercity and local bus service; officials point to partnerships and funding limits

Callers urge lower speeds, wildlife protections on Highway 82 and other corridors

Residents prioritize potholes, safety and more transit in CDOT Transportation Plan 2050 outreach