Governor Polis, Senators Bennet & Hickenlooper & CDOT Director Lew Celebrate More than $88 Million in Federal Transportation Grants for Colorado Projects
DENVER - Today, Governor Jared Polis, U.S Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and Colorado Department of Transportation Director Shoshana Lew announced two federal grants from the Department of Transportation for projects on US 160 in La Plata County and I-76 in Morgan County, making Colorado roads safer and saving Coloradans time.
“Part of our work to make Colorado one of the ten safest states includes safety on our roads. These two grants will help improve mobility, save Coloradans time, and make needed improvements on major roadways in La Plata and Morgan County. I applaud the Biden administration and our federal delegation for their commitment to strengthening Colorado roadways,” said Governor Jared Polis.
“Thanks to our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re connecting more of our communities and making transportation safer,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “That means updating outdated intersections, bike lanes, highways, and evacuation routes across Colorado.”
“Both I-76 and U.S. 160 are critical for the economic livelihood of rural Colorado. These essential corridors provide passage for freight transport, commuters, tourism, recreation, and access to natural resources,” said Senator Bennet. “These grant awards, made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure law, are an important step toward making these roads safer and more efficient.”
“We thank our federal partners for helping us advance these key rural road projects. Improving the safety and condition of our vast rural road network is a top priority for the Polis Administration, and securing major grants like these is a major step forward,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew.
The first project, US 160 East of Durango, will receive $58,940,000 to support safety and mobility improvements. This includes widening approximately 4.1 miles of US 160 from two to four lanes, adding approximately 2.64 miles of a continuous two-way left turn lane. The project will also add left turn lanes, shoulder widening, and wildlife exclusion fencing with one wildlife underpass.
The second project on I-76 in Morgan County will receive $29,190,000 for reconstruction and other improvements. The project will reconstruct I-76 within its current lane configuration, including the reconstruction of approximately 1.45 miles of interstate corridor in both directions, the replacement of four bridges over I-76 (two bridges on I-76 over the BNSF rail lines, and two bridges that pass over US 6 at its interchange with I-76), the reconfiguration of the interchange with US 6, and the installation of a Park-n-Ride mobility hub.
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