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CDOT outlines two‑phase safety plan for US‑287 Red Mountain corridor
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Summary
Colorado Department of Transportation told the Larimer County commissioners it will advance safety work on US‑287 in two construction packages: an imminent Package 1 focused on intersections and resurfacing and a larger Package 2 that includes passing lanes, shoulder widening, wildlife fencing and a Dale Creek bridge replacement. CDOT flagged procurement, environmental review and property acquisitions as risks.
The Larimer County Board of County Commissioners on Jan. 12 heard an update from Colorado Department of Transportation officials on the US‑287 Red Mountain safety project, which CDOT is delivering in two construction packages to accelerate the most urgent safety work and manage costs and right‑of‑way needs.
CDOT project manager Chad Hall said the work aims to reduce serious injuries and fatalities along the corridor. He described Package 1 as the near‑term effort covering the Red Mountain intersection north to Bonner Springs Ranch Road and a short resurfacing tie‑in at the south end. Package 2, Hall said, includes roughly 3 miles of southbound passing lanes in two segments, about 9 miles of 6‑foot shoulders on both northbound and southbound sides, approximately 20 miles of wildlife fencing (split roughly along both sides), resurfacing stretches and a Dale Creek bridge replacement on the north side of the project.
"The intent is to make sure we're all aiming the same direction," Hall said, emphasizing safety and the need to make tradeoffs if funding gaps emerge. "When we have these projects going on up there...we try to pile other things that are upcoming so that we only impact the traveling public once rather than multiple times." (Chad Hall, CDOT project manager)
Why it matters: CDOT said the project is primarily funded through an MPDG grant and additional capital dollars for resurfacing and bridge work. Officials said bundling work when a contractor is mobilized reduces overall impacts and cost; however, they warned that if April advertising for Package 1 draws too few competitive bids the work could be delayed and reconfigured into a single later package.
Schedule and risks: CDOT reported that 30% design milestones for both packages have been completed and that a 90% design meeting for Package 1 was scheduled the week of the work session. Package 1 is planned for construction in 2026, with Package 2 expected in 2027–28, subject to bidding outcomes and right‑of‑way clearances. Hall flagged three main risks: delays from environmental and historic‑resource consultation processes, right‑of‑way acquisition needs (Package 1 currently has one property owner identified; Package 2 requires more acquisitions), and contractor interest if bids do not align with cost estimates.
Coordination with other projects: Commissioners asked about alignment with the Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP) realignment and whether sharing contractors could save mobilization costs. CDOT staff said coordination is an opportunity but noted procurement and contracting rules limit direct contractor selection; they agreed to continue coordinating with county staff and to share presentation slides.
Local impacts and outreach: Commissioners asked CDOT to engage known local property owners, including the Abbey of St. Walburga, and to consider community meetings in Livermore. CDOT said it is using county channels and its public‑relations staff to support outreach. The presenters also noted a recent maintenance restriping at Owl Canyon intersection that improved visibility and safety.
What remains unresolved: CDOT emphasized uncertainties around the April advertisement (bid competitiveness) and timing for environmental reviews; staff will return with updates and agreed to distribute the presentation materials.
Next steps: CDOT will share the slides with county staff, continue landowner outreach and return with progress updates depending on advertising and bid results.
