Undergrounding at Chautauqua

Chautauqua isn't just a place, it's a special piece of our shared history, a city-owned National Historic Landmark and one of the most beloved viewpoints and gathering spaces for the Boulder community. That's why the city's current Chautauqua Infrastructure Improvements project is so important.

Right now, crews are carefully working to modernize the utilities that serve this historic neighborhood. Power lines, communication cables and new fiber optic facilities are being placed underground, while water and stormwater systems are seeing upgrades. When the work is finished, streets will be repaved and the surrounding area restored so Chautauqua continues to look and feel like the place generations of Boulderites and visitors have come to cherish.

The choice to move utilities underground is more than an aesthetic improvement, though it certainly helps preserve Chautauqua's open views and timeless character. Undergrounding is also an important safety investment. Overhead power lines can be vulnerable to wind, falling trees and equipment failures, all of which can spark wildfires in dry conditions. By moving these lines underground, Boulder is reducing the risk of potential ignitions and creating a more reliable system that is less prone to outages during extreme weather.

This work is part of a larger effort to make Chautauqua resilient for the future while honoring its past. Residents and visitors will notice temporary disruptions like construction equipment, parking restrictions or trail closures, but these short-term inconveniences help ensure the long-term safety and enjoyment of one of our community's most treasured spaces.

When the project is complete, currently scheduled for 2027, Chautauqua will be better protected against wildfire risk, supported by reliable infrastructure and free of much of the visual clutter of poles and wires we see today. Most importantly, the improvements will ensure that this historic area remains a safe and welcoming place for people to gather, hike and take in the Flatirons for generations to come.