Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)
What is the STIP?
The Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) is a federally required, four-year program of planned transportation projects that CDOT plans to initiate, continue work on, or complete within that four year cycle. In accordance with the federal guidelines, 23 CFR 450, a new STIP should be developed at least every four years, and contain a minimum four-year listing of transportation projects. Since 2016, CDOT has updated its STIP annually in order to always provide a full four-year plan of projects recognized by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). This process allows for more flexibility in moving projects forward or backward to address shifting priorities or emergencies.
The STIP is developed in coordination with planning partners throughout the state through the Project Priority Programming Process (4P). The STIP also incorporates the Transportation Improvement Programs (TIPs) from each Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).
FY2026 to FY2029 STIP - Adopted May 15, 2025
The FY2026 to FY2029 STIP was adopted by the Transportation Commission on May 15, 2025. The adopted document was sent to FHWA and FTA for review and was given final approval by our federal partners on June 25, 2025.
The Adopted STIP is broken into specific sections which can be found through the links below.
- Executive Summary - DRAFT 2025-05-14
- STIP Development Guidance and 4P Process updated May 2022
- STIP Amendment Guidelines FINAL 12-28-2020
- STIP Reports
- Fiscal Constraint Report
- Added Completed Delayed-Discontinued Projects
- Public Involvement
- Acronym list
- Program Distribution
- Self Certification of the Planning Process
Current STIP Projects Found in Project Tracker
CDOT has recently updated its STIP software to Project Tracker. You can search for specific STIP projects, view plan revisions, and find current reports through the Project Tracker links below.
Project Tracker Public Webpage
Project Tracker User Portal
Developing the STIP
Project Priority Programming Process (4P)
The 4P guidance document provides a framework for the development and amendment of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) as required by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for the programming of transportation projects allowed under the Titles 23 and 49 of the US Code. In Colorado, this process is a grass-roots effort that includes coordination and cooperation with 15 Transportation Planning Regions (TPRs), five of which are Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs). These entities, in turn, gather input from their local constituents so that the adopted STIP is the result of a grassroots effort and reflects the comprehensive needs of the broad public.
For more information on the 4P process, please see the 4P STIP Development Guidelines approved by the Transportation Commission.
Amending the STIP
The STIP is amended or modified periodically to incorporate new projects and changes to currently programmed projects. This may be due to a variety of factors, including funding changes, changes to the project scope, or a change in priority requested by a TPR or MPO. Below are the three types of changes made to the STIP. CDOT’s STIP Amendment Guidance provides details for each type of modification to the STIP. Additionally, all amendments and modifications to the STIP may be found on the Project Tracker site.
STIP Amendments
STIP Amendments are typically completed for regionally significant projects requiring major scope changes or a re-evaluation of a NEPA document. Amendments may also be required for projects added or deleted from the STIP or an allocation change in pooled programs (e.g., Bridge or Surface Treatment) as a result of a Transportation Commission action. Amendments require a 30 day public comment period and approval by the Colorado Transportation Commission and FHWA and/or FTA.
It should be noted that Amendments are typically completed for projects located within rural Colorado. All projects located within an MPO follow the respective MPO’s guidelines for amending and modifying projects as described in the TIP Amendments section below.
Administrative Amendments
Administrative amendments are typically smaller in scope and do not require approval by the Transportation Commission or FHWA/FTA. The need for an administrative amendment is determined through consultation between CDOT and the affected TPR or MPO.
TIP Amendments
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) amendments are completed by the Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs). Once an MPO has completed its public review process and its respective Board has adopted the amendment, it is forwarded to CDOT for approval (as delegated by the Governor of Colorado) and then to FHWA and FTA for concurrence.
Many of CDOT’s projects are located within an MPO area. If an amendment is needed for one of these projects, CDOT defers to the MPO to follow their process for amending and modifying the project in the TIP. Once the amendment has been adopted by the respective MPO Board, and subsequently approved by CDOT (on behalf of the Governor, it will be added to the current STIP project list.
TIP amendments can be found on the MPO websites linked below:
Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) TIP
