Colorado Highway 7 Lower (Lyons to Raymond)

About the Project

In September 2013, flood waters saturated the mountainous terrain of Colorado Highway 7 (CO 7), causing numerous material slides, ditch damage and erosion to the roadway embankment. After eroding the highway embankment, the floods washed out the road in several places. Large amounts of debris, rock, and sediment were deposited in the creek and, as a result, redirected water flows – further contributing to the erosion of the channel banks and the undermining of the highway.

By November 2013, crews had completed extensive emergency repairs, including:

  • repairing full-width roadway losses
  • repairing embankments
  • removing sediment and debris
  • replacing overtopped road sections
  • repairing shoulders
  • regrading ditches
  • replacing damaged culverts

Project Facts

  • Cost: TBD
  • Contractor: Kiewit Infrastructure Company
  • Timeline: Construction is expected to begin in Fall 2021
    • Following the full closure, construction will continue inside single-lane closures through November 2022.
  • Location: Colorado Highway 7 between Lyons and Raymond


Project Map & Locations

CO 7 Lower base map
To learn more about the specific scope planned as part of this project, please review this GIS map. This map contains geospatial data related to hydraulic, geomorphic, roadway, and geotechnical engineering services in the Colorado Highway 7 (Lower) canyon between MP 19 and 33. All information shown is preliminary.


Project Purpose - Permanent Repairs

The Colorado Highway 7 Project will provide longer-term improvements along Colorado Highway 7 between Lyons and Raymond. Pending funding availability, improvements may include: 

  • removing and replacing temporary asphalt placed during emergency repairs;
  • adding shoulders and rockfall ditches;
  • restoring ecological systems along the corridor;
  • re-establishing the creek channel while protecting its banks; and
  • establishing topsoil and vegetation in areas that were either damaged or disturbed by emergency repair work.

Schedule and Traffic Impacts

July Paving Update

  • In July, crews plan to continue paving operations on the CO 7 Lower Project between Lyons and Allenspark. Due to weather delays in June and forecasted weather conditions in July, motorists should prepare for paving operations to last through the entire month of July.
  • During this work, motor vehicle traffic should continue to expect alternating single lane traffic with 20 minute travel delays. The work will take place daily (including weekends) from 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
  • Paving operations are weather dependent and subject to change. If you have questions on the schedule, please email [email protected].
  • Bicycling access is closed through project completion in November 2022.
  • Recreational access and parking may be limited along the CO 7 corridor due to construction. Please call or email us with any questions.