US 40 resurfacing project substantially complete in Empire

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Clear Creek County — Today, the Colorado Department of Transportation, the town of Empire and other local partners celebrated the substantial completion of the US 40 Resurfacing in Empire project. Earlier this month, CDOT and contractor APC Construction completed all major work on the US Highway 40 resurfacing project through the town of Empire from east of Berthoud Falls to the I-70 junction. This project greatly improves the safety and driving conditions along both directions of this six-mile stretch of US 40 by:

• Resurfacing the entire project zone to address the severe deterioration of the pavement, leading to a smoother driving experience through this busy corridor that sees heavy ski traffic
• Updating the drainage system and diverting water away from the roadway to reduce the risk of hydroplaning
• Installing concrete islands and medians to create more separation between the two directions of traffic
• Adding and upgrading pedestrian push buttons to improve the safety of pedestrians and mobile device users traveling along this busy highway

“US 40 through Empire is a vital link for local residents and a gateway for thousands of mountain travelers and skiers every weekend,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “By making these improvements, from smoother pavement to upgraded pedestrian crossings, we are providing a more safe and reliable trip for everyone traveling to and from the high country.”

“The US 40 Resurfacing project gave us a beautiful new road," said Empire Mayor Wendy Koch. “The new curbs and bump-outs have greatly improved pedestrian safety. This is beneficial for both local residents and the traveling public. Empire has over 6,000,000 cars pass through annually. With the improved curbs and the crosswalk, it is now a safer environment for all. The drainage improvements have achieved more effective control of run-off and other drainage for US 40 throughout and surrounding Empire.”

“We are grateful for all of CDOT’s diligent work to help make Highway 40 safer,” said Empire Police Chief Andrew Lorenz. “The town of Empire sees an estimated 6 million motorists each year. The safety of everyone on the roadway, including pedestrians, is a major goal for the Empire Police Department. I also want to thank the Colorado State Patrol, Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office and the Grand County Sheriff’s Office for helping maintain the safety of Highway 40.”

While the project has reached substantial completion, crews will return in the spring of 2026 to complete final signage and landscaping efforts. No significant impacts to the traveling public are anticipated during this work.

Motorists and pedestrians can now expect significantly smoother pavement and enhanced safety throughout the entire project zone.

Project Background

This project consisted of resurfacing both directions of US 40 from the I-70/US 40 junction (Mile Point 258.3) to about one mile east of “Big Bend” and Berthoud Falls (MP 252). This project also included replacing and cleaning inlets and culverts, fixing and replacing guardrails, signage and striping. Within the town of Empire, additional improvements included replacing two traffic signals, upgrading crosswalks to improve safety, upgrading curb ramps, constructing bulb-outs and drainage improvements.

The project began in May 2025 and was substantially completed in February 2026.