CDOT seeks public input on I-270 environmental study

Travel Advisory

Jan. 5, 2026 - Denver Metro/Central Colorado - January public hearings and webinars offer a chance to provide comment

Commerce City — The Colorado Department of Transportation, in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration, is inviting the public to review and comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for improvements to Interstate 270, including a preferred alternative that would add one Express Lane in each direction. There will be three in-person public hearings where the public can learn more about the DEIS and provide comments in person or via a comment form after the hearing. There will also be two informational webinars that the public can attend to learn more about the DEIS from project team members.

The six-mile I-270 corridor between Interstate 25 and Interstate 70 experiences heavy congestion, reliability challenges and aging infrastructure. The DEIS evaluates options to address these issues, with the goal of improving safety, travel reliability, and long-term mobility for commuters, freight, and surrounding communities.

Following a detailed technical analysis, the DEIS identifies a preferred alternative consisting of two general-purpose lanes and one new Express Lane that accommodates transit in each direction. Benefits of this design include improved safety, better travel time reliability, improved transit and freight operations, and community enhancements. The preferred alternative reflects extensive technical analysis and incorporates public, stakeholder and agency input gathered throughout the multi-year planning process.

Other alternatives evaluated include adding a third general-purpose lane in each direction.

The DEIS is available for public review and comment through Jan. 20, 2026. Community input will help inform the final environmental decision and project direction.

“Hearing directly from the people who live, work and travel along I-270 is essential,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “Public feedback strengthens the final plan and ensures we’re addressing local needs while improving safety and mobility. These meetings are also an opportunity to learn more about the preferred alternative and ask questions.”

The full DEIS, summaries and comment forms are available online at: codot.gov/projects/studies/i270study.

CDOT is hosting three in-person public hearings and two informational webinars in early January. The same project information will be shared at all five meetings.

In-person public hearings will be held at Adams City High School (7200 Quebec Pkwy., Commerce City, CO 80022):

  • Thursday, Jan. 8, 5 to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Jan. 10, 9 a.m. to noon
  • Tuesday, Jan. 13, 5 to 8 p.m.

Each hearing will include bilingual display boards, a presentation and opportunities to ask questions and provide comments.

Informational webinars:

  • Wednesday, Jan. 7, 5 to 6 p.m.
  • Thursday, Jan. 15, 5 to 6 p.m.

Each webinar will include a project presentation and a detailed explanation of the preferred Express Lane alternative. Participants may submit written comments following the webinars.

Providing Comments at In-Person Public Hearings

Attendees may submit feedback in several ways:

  • Filling out comment cards (available on-site)
  • One-on-one verbal comments recorded by a court reporter at any time during the public hearing
  • Public verbal comments following the presentation that will be recorded by a court reporter
  • Filling out a comment form online after the public hearing concludes

Public speakers will be limited to 90 seconds to allow time for multiple voices. Anyone needing additional time may provide extended comments one-on-one with a court reporter. All comments are recorded solely for the official project record.

Accessibility and Amenities

  • Spanish-language services available at all meetings
  • American Sign Language interpretation available upon request
  • In-person hearings will include food, refreshments and children’s activities

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

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:

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.
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  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!

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