US 24 Fiber-Optic Installation for Transporation Management

Project Facts

  • Cost: $2.4 million
  • Location: On US 24 between the City of Manitou Springs and the City of Woodland Park
  • Timeline: August 2018 - March 2019
  • Contractor: Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc.

Crews on this project will extend ongoing work to install fiber-optic cable, with work completed on US 24 between Manitou Springs and Woodland Park in El Paso County. This work will accommodate the use of intelligence transportation systems (ITS) to make road operations more efficient.

What are Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)?

CDOT uses the technologies that comprise ITS to help manage its transportation network. Common ITS devices include:

  • dynamic message signs (DMS) that provide travel information;
  • closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras that monitor traffic conditions;
  • electronic sensors that detect and collect vehicle and roadway information;
  • road and weather information service (RWIS) stations that monitor weather conditions;
  • transit vehicles equipped with automatic vehicle locator (AVL) systems to improve schedule adherence and reliability; and
  • traffic signal systems that are programmed to adapt their timing in response to traffic congestion.

Travel Impacts

  • Work hours:
    • 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mondays through Fridays when work is completed off the highway or in shoulders
    • 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays when work impacts travel lanes
  • Where: Work begins at Woodland Park and continues east to minimize impacts on summer travel.