Overnight paving operations begin on US 40 near Empire

Travel Advisory

Clear Creek County - The Colorado Department of Transportation starts resurfacing six miles of US 40 from east of Berthoud Falls through Empire to I-70 in early September. Work involves removing or milling off the old asphalt and replacing it with new pavement. The resurfacing is part of a larger project that is significantly improving this stretch of US 40 prior to the winter season and heavy ski traffic.

Traffic Impacts

The overnight resurfacing work is expected to take six weeks beginning Tuesday, Sept 2.

• First three weeks: the resurfacing starts on the west half of the project on US 40 from east of Berthoud Falls to west of Empire (mile points 252 to 255)
• The last three weeks: the resurfacing takes place from east of Empire through the town to I-70 (mile points 255 to 258)

Where work is occurring as described above, there will be alternating east and westbound single lane closures from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, with intermittent 15-minute traffic holds in each direction.

Ongoing daytime closures continue with 15-minute traffic holds for electrical, pipe, and guardrail work.

Project Background

The CDOT is making significant improvements to six miles of US 40 from east of Berthoud Falls, through Empire to I-70 by resurfacing the road, installing new drainage, cleaning inlets and culverts, and replacing guardrail, signage and striping. Within the town of Empire, additional improvements include replacing two traffic signals, upgrading crosswalks and curb ramps to improve safety, constructing bulb-outs, and making drainage improvements. The upgrades will divert water away from the roadway, which will greatly help to prevent potholes, erosion and other damage. The new pavement will make for a better driving surface.

The project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2025.

Project Information

For additional information about this project:

• Call the project information line at 720-770-8302
• Email the project team at: [email protected]
• Visit the project website at: US 40 Resurfacing in Empire - Colorado Department of Transportation

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to "know before you go." Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• Check scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

• Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
• Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
• Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
• Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
• Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
• Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
• Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
• Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
• Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
• Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
• Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!