Project Process & Schedule
An environmental process is underway to evaluate transportation improvements to I-270 in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
What is NEPA?
NEPA is a decision-making process required for federally funded projects. The lead federal agency overseeing this project is the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). More information about the NEPA process is detailed in this FHWA video.
During the NEPA process, CDOT will collaborate with stakeholders and the public to identify the best solutions, determine the potential for impacts, and evaluate ways to minimize or avoid adverse environmental effects.
In the interest of public safety and social distancing in a COVID-19 environment, public outreach events may be held virtually rather than in-person. More information on public outreach events is available here.
During the NEPA process, potential solutions for the identified transportation needs are considered and evaluated. The project team identifies potential solutions based on corridor data and input from the public and technical experts from local agencies. These potential solutions are referred to as alternatives. Alternatives evaluated in the EA must meet the identified Purpose and Need.
The EA is used to identify the next step of the project and yields one of three conclusions:
- An alternative is selected for implementation.
- It’s determined that no action in the corridor is needed beyond maintenance and other improvements already planned and funded.
- Significant impacts are identified that warrant preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement
You can find more information on the development and evaluation of alternatives for EAs in Chapter 6 of the CDOT NEPA Manual.
