CDOT Announces Environmental Assessment for I-25 South Gap Project

Denver, CO – This week, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released the I-25 South Gap: Monument to Castle Rock Environmental Assessment (EA) for public comment.

“This corridor is a priority for CDOT and releasing the EA document is a significant step in our progress toward construction,” said CDOT Executive Director Mike Lewis.

The project is on track to begin construction this summer pending available funding.

For more than a year, CDOT has undertaken a Planning and Environmental Linkages study to identify a long-term vision for the 34-mile stretch of I-25 from Monument to C-470. As a result of the study, CDOT identified the Gap as the most urgent priority.

“From the beginning of this process, our goal has been to improve safety, provide mobility options, and ensure trip reliability,” continued Lewis.

The I-25 South Gap EA document details multiple study findings conducted throughout this project and recognizes the preferred alternative: CDOT proposes to expand 18 miles of I-25 between Monument and Castle Rock by adding a new tolled Express Lane in each direction; widening shoulders, replacing outdated infrastructure and addressing design deficiencies of the aging roadway; adding wildlife underpasses; and, modernizing the facility with improved drainage, lighting, communications, power, and signage. All improvements are planned within CDOT’s right-of-way, and no property acquisition is anticipated.

An Express Lane would be built alongside the two general purpose lanes in each direction. Motorists would have the choice of driving the general purpose lanes for free or they could take the Express Lane for a more reliable trip in exchange for paying a variable toll.  The Express Lane would likely be free for vehicles with three or more people, encouraging more carpool and transit use. The improvements would improve travel times across all lanes. The I-25 South Gap EA found that the Express Lane alternative would best meet the project’s purpose and need to improve travel reliability, safety and mobility options.

For more information:  I-25 South Gap media briefing presentation

I-25 South Gap EA Available for Review

Beginning on April 27, 2018, the EA will be available for public review on the project website i25gap.codot.gov and in hard copy at the following locations:

In addition to reading the I-25 South Gap EA online or at one of the above locations, the public is invited to attend public hearings to provide input on the proposed project and EA conclusions.

Public Hearings

CDOT will present the Preferred Alternative for the I-25 South Gap Project, findings of the EA, and information about the next steps in the project schedule. Two public hearings for this project will be held at the following times:

·       Monday, May 14, 2018, at the Event Center, Douglas County Fairgrounds (500 Fairgrounds Drive, Castle Rock), from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

·       Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at Liberty High School (8720 Scarborough Drive, Colorado Springs), from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

The 30-day Environmental Assessment review period will close on May 29, 2018.