Governor Polis joined CDOT, state and local officials on Friday at the ceremonial ribbon cutting for the I-25 Exit 11 interchange improvement project

Flatiron is proud to be part of the team leading the Exit 11 Interchange Improvement Project in Trinidad, Colorado This news release was issued by the project owner, the Colorado Department of Transportation (Region 2).

LAS ANIMAS COUNTY – Governor Jared Polis along with representatives from CDOT, state and local officials gathered for the ceremonial ribbon cutting on the newly constructed west roundabout on Friday to celebrate the imminent completion of this important regional infrastructure project. Trinidad Mayor Phil Rico and representatives of Colorado Parks and Wildlife also spoke at the event.

“Coloradans, students, and visitors can now more easily and safely reach Fishers Peak, and support small businesses in downtown Trinidad. I was proud to designate Fishers Peak Colorado’s 42nd state park nearly two years ago to expand opportunities for outdoor recreation, support tourism, educational opportunities, and good-paying jobs and this new highway exit to Fishers Peak will expand access to this world-class state park.”

Work completed to date includes replacing the bridge and installing retaining walls for added strength and longevity, constructing new roundabouts at the east and west sides of the interchange to improve traffic flow, building new ramps and crossovers, and adding pedestrian facilities. CDOT expects the new bridge to open to traffic as early as August 29 and will remove the old bridge in the coming weeks.

Crews are almost finished connecting the southbound I-25 on-ramp to the west roundabout and County Road 69.1, and are expected to complete the east side roundabout and tie-in to the northbound I-25 off-ramp and the Santa Fe Trail by September. Ongoing work until project completion includes concrete flatwork, signage, and adding safety and aesthetic improvements to both sides of the interchange.

Exit 11 is located 11 miles north of the Colorado/New Mexico border on I-25 and is a vital link to area parks and recreational destinations. It also serves commercial motor vehicles at its Port of Entry which also received upgrades as part of this project. These include improved ingress/egress and wider turning capacity for oversized loads.

CDOT invites Las Animas County community members and other interested parties to visit the project’s website for a background on the project and to view project milestones and progress photos. The project is expected to be fully complete by November.

Traffic Impacts
Motorists can expect the following impacts through completion. These include:

• Single right lane and shoulder closures will be in place in both directions of I-25 within the project limits.
• Full closure of both directions of I-25 will exist during removal of the existing bridge
• All roadways will remain open through the duration of the project.
• Access to businesses and the Port of Entry will be fully maintained.
• Lane closures and other traffic notices are posted weekly on COTrip.org.

Project Information
For additional information about this project:

• Project hotline: 719.406.1055
• Sign up for text alerts: Text exit11 to 8887193811
• Project email: publicinformation@comcast.net
• Project web page: https://www.codot.gov/projects/i25-exit11-trinidad-intersection

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
• See scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter, 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!

About CDOT
The Colorado Department of Transportation’s mission is to provide the best multi-modal transportation system that most effectively and safely moves people, goods and information. CDOT maintains more than 23,000 lane miles of highway, more than 3,400 bridges and 35 mountain passes. Our team of employees works tirelessly to reduce the rate and severity of crashes and improve the safety of all modes of transportation. CDOT leverages partnerships with a range of private and public organizations and operates Bustang, an interregional express bus service. Find more details at codot.gov.