CDOT Whole System – Whole Safety Initiative to continue cable barrier project along Interstate 25

June 14, 2019 - Southeastern Colorado

El Paso County — Fountain, CO.  The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will continue to install and reset median cable barrier along I-25 between Pueblo and Colorado Springs this summer as a safety measure to prevent median crossover crashes. CDOT is installing median cable barrier through a multi-phased approach based on crash history and higher traffic volumes, with the goal of having median barrier, where appropriate, throughout the corridor between Pueblo and Colorado Springs.

CDOT identified this project as part of its Whole System - Whole Safety initiative that takes a systematic approach to safety, including driving behaviors, the built environment and operations. In this case, a widened inside shoulder provides safe refuge for motorists to pull over in an emergency. Colorado State Patrol notes this not only improves traffic flow, it also results in fewer nuisance hits to the cable rail, where cars briefly may come into contact with barriers but then are able to recover and continue.

“Improving the safety of Colorado’s transportation network by reducing the rate and severity of crashes and improving safety conditions for travelers is our main goal,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “The statewide program’s whole system approach is unique in how it brings together all areas of the driving experience, resulting in improved and enhanced safety for motorists.”

The new cable barrier system, with added offset from the traveled lane and flattened median side slopes, will continue to eliminate vehicle cross-over while additionally reducing nuisance hits as the northbound cable barrier can be removed. The net effect will allow better maintenance access, reduced maintenance costs, better traffic flow and further enhancing safety.

The project will remove the existing barrier, replacing it with cable barrier within the median between mile marker 122 - 128 on I-25, near Pikes Peak International Raceway and the City of Fountain, all in El Paso County.

The project kicks off June 24 with the majority of work scheduled as overnight work, 7 p.m. – 5:30 a.m., to minimize impacts to motorists and improve overall safety.

Project Details:

  • $3.5 million project funded through the FASTER Safety program

  • Contractor - Kirkland Construction, Rye, CO

  • Schedule is June 2019 – December 2019

Project information:
Hotline: 719-473-0001

Email:  [email protected]

Website: www.codot.gov/projects/I-25-Cable-Barrier

To receive further information, send an email and ask to be added to the list.

REMEMBER: SLOW FOR THE CONE ZONE

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.

  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.

  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.

  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.

  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.

  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.

  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.

  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.

  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.

  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.

  • Be patient!

WHOLE SYSTEM. WHOLE SAFETY.  

To heighten safety awareness, CDOT recently announced its Whole System — Whole Safety initiative. This project takes a systematic statewide approach to safety combining the benefits of CDOT’s programs that address driving behaviors, our built environment and the organization's operations. The goal is to improve the safety of Colorado’s transportation network by reducing the rate and severity of crashes and improving the safety of all transportation modes. The program has one simple mission—to get everyone home safely.

ABOUT CDOT

CDOT has approximately 3,000 employees located throughout Colorado and manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway and 3,429 bridges. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of other agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments and airports. It also administers Bustang, the state-owned and operated interregional express service. Governor Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options.