CDOT begins major infrastructure and traffic flow improvement project at the I-25/Exit 11 Interchange in July

News Release

July 6, 2021 - Southeastern Colorado - We invite community members to visit our Virtual Open House for a sneak peek at the project’s scope of work, timeline, impacts and benefits to the region

LAS ANIMAS COUNTY – The Colorado Department of Transportation and contract partner Flatiron Construction Corp will begin reconstructing the Exit 11 interchange on Interstate 25 in July. Construction will last for approximately 18 to 20 months. The purpose of the project is to increase capacity and facilities to support sustained growth in the region and to meet CDOT’s statewide multimodal infrastructure initiative for all modes of transportation. 

Work includes replacing a bridge, widening lanes on mainline I-25, building ramp crossovers, constructing new roundabouts at the east and west sides of the interchange to improve traffic flow, adding pedestrian facilities, and making other infrastructure, safety, and aesthetic improvements to the area. 

“Colorado is improving our roads and highway exits. and this project will help the Las Animas economy especially as more people from our state and country flock to the region to explore and play in Fishers Peak state park and in the greater Trinidad area,” said Governor Jared Polis.

“It’s CDOT’s job to help you get to Colorado’s special places, and to help the public explore Fishers Peak we will be improving access through much-needed interchange upgrades,” explained Shoshana Lew, CDOT Executive Director.

“We know and hope this project will mean more traffic to the area as folks come to enjoy the vast outdoors.”

 

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The new bridge will be built 100 feet south of the existing structure and serve as the connector to the new roundabouts and intersecting County Roads and the Santa Fe Trail. Exit 11 also serves commercial motor vehicles at its Port of Entry and is a vital link to area parks and recreational destinations.

Minor traffic shifts are the only impacts CDOT foresees for this project. This supports the agency’s commitment to maintaining full access to area businesses, the Port of Entry and area destinations.

CDOT invites Las Animas County community members and other interested parties visit the project’s Virtual Open House. This event will not be hosted. It will remain live throughout the project’s duration. 

Traffic Impacts

Motorists can expect only minimal impacts to travel during the period of construction. These include:

  • Single lane and shoulder closures will be in place on I-25 within the project limits.

  • Detour pavement will be built to accommodate ramp, roundabout, and bridge work.

  • All roadways will remain open through the duration of the project.

  • Access to businesses and the Port of Entry will be fully maintained.

  • Lane closures and other traffic notices are posted weekly on COtrip.org.

Project & Travel Info 

For additional information about this project, contact the project team. 

Know before you go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

About CDOT

CDOT’s Whole System-Whole Safety program has one simple mission — to get everyone home safely. Our approximately 3,000 employees work tirelessly to reduce the rate and severity of crashes and improve the safety of all modes of transportation. The department manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway, more than 3,000 bridges and 35 mountain passes. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments and airports. It also operates Bustang, the state-owned interregional express bus service. Gov. Jared Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options.