The Colorado Department of Transportation has started an emergency project to cut trees along state highways where the risk of wildfires is high. Here's what drivers need to know.
The Colorado Department of Transportation has started an emergency project to cut trees along state highways where the risk of wildfires is high. This $4 million project targets five highway corridors along the Front Range and foothills.
That includes: This work will continue through the end of June, spanning Mondays through Thursdays between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Each day, the project is expected to advance about three miles. Signage is already in place to warn drivers about the project and possible impacts to traffic, CDOT said. Drivers who are traveling through the stretches listed above should expect alternating one-lane traffic.
“Reducing fuel loads along our highway corridors is a critical step in protecting both our infrastructure and the communities these roads serve,” said Jim Fox, CDOT’s deputy director of maintenance. “This emergency project allows us to address the highest-risk areas quickly and aggressively before fire season peaks. ” If funding allows, this project may expand to include other areas. CDOT said this project will conclude"once the project funds are exhausted.
" Contractors VM West and Asplundh are doing this work. Denver7 took a look at the reality of year-round wildfires in our November special"Burned Out.
" Watch the 20-minute special, which was nominated for an Emmy, in the video player below. Burned Out: The reality of year-round wildfires in Colorado | A Denver7 special Colorado has seen multiple wildfires that were sparked by vehicles dragging material along the road. Most recently, Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office deputies traced a January grass fire back to a semi‑truck seen on video with its lowered landing gear scratching against Interstate 76 and throwing sparks.
CDOT reminds drivers to make sure that vehicles are properly maintained and nothing is dragging. They also recommend attaching safety chains securely, spark-proof vehicles, checking tire pressure to ensure you're not driving on exposed wheel rims and maintaining your brakes, as brakes worn too win can cause metal-to-metal contact and, therefore, a spark.
Denver7 | Your Voice: Get in touch with Stephanie Butzer Denver7’s Stephanie Butzer works on the digital team covering stories that have an impact on all of Colorado’s communities, but specializes in reporting on the environment and outdoor recreation. If you’d like to get in touch with Stephanie, fill out the form below to send her an email.
Colorado Fire Mitigation Highways Colorado Fire Mitigation Roads Colorado Wildfire Near Highways Colorado Wildfire Near Highways Prevention Colorado Wildfire Near Roads Cutting Trees On Highways Cutting Trees On Highways Allenspark Cutting Trees On Highways Boulder Cutting Trees On Highways Boulder County
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
World’s largest quantum computer company opens cutting-edge labIonQ follows Google Quantum AI in building a Colorado facility.
Read more »
Treasury Department's general counsel resigns after IRS settlement with TrumpThe Treasury Department's general counsel resigned after the IRS settled a $10 billion lawsuit with President Trump over the leak of his tax returns.
Read more »
Three Keys Critical to Colorado Buffaloes' Future OutlookFollowing the 2025 season, in which the Colorado Buffaloes struggled to find success and once again finished with a losing record, the pressure on coach Deion S
Read more »
Afternoon storms and showers are likely along Colorado's Front Range through FridayTemperatures will remain well below normal again today, with highs in the upper 50s to low 60s. Chance for more scattered storms and showers this afternoon.
Read more »