CO 7 improvements project complete
Travel Advisory
Boulder and Broomfield Counties — On Dec. 19, the Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor Jalisco International, Inc. completed work on the Colorado Highway 7 (Baseline Road) lane improvements and shoulder widening project at Erie Airport Drive between mile points 64.25 and 64.75. This project greatly improved the driving and cycling conditions along both directions of this section of the highway by:
- Widening the travel lanes and shoulders to mitigate vehicular crashes and enhance bicycle safety at the intersection of CO 7 and Airport Drive
- Upgrading the acceleration, deceleration and left-turn lanes in both directions
- Adding a painted median to separate the median left-turn lane from westbound through traffic
- Installing a large permanent water quality basin to protect Coal Creek by filtering pollutants from roadway stormwater runoff during significant rain events
“This project reflects our commitment at CDOT to improving safety for everyone who uses Colorado’s roadways,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “By widening shoulders and improving turn lanes along CO 7, we’ve created a safer and more accessible corridor for motorists and cyclists alike.”
"The completion of the CO 7 lane and shoulder improvements represents a meaningful win for Lafayette and our community," said Kyle Brown, State Representative and Joint Budget Committee Member. "It provides safer and more dependable options for those who rely on multiple ways to get around, whether by car or bike. Investing in multimodal infrastructure like this improves safety, expands transportation choices, and better connects our communities.”
“I took advantage of the recent mild weather and rode this stretch of CO 7. It was so much safer riding eastbound on the wide shoulder,” said Chris Gaul, a local supporter and cyclist. “The drainage retention pond is also interesting. It has a settling basin to keep solids from entering the creek, with a built-in ramp to filter out the accumulated solids. A clever design. Thanks to all who made this project possible!”
With this project complete, travelers, whether by car or bicycle, can expect enhanced safety along this section of the highway.
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:
- Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
- Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
- Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
- Check scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
- Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
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!
Download the COtrip App!
The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!
