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It’s an exciting time to be a part of the northern Colorado community. The economy is booming and the region’s remarkable quality of life continues to keep people in the area and attract new residents. We’re all experiencing the changes this population and economic growth brings—both positive and negative. One glaring negative is the inability of Interstate 25 to keep pace. Folks are spending more time in their cars than with their families doing the things they enjoy.
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We saw this coming, which is why the Fix North I-25 Business Alliance was formed in early 2014. Fix North I-25 has focused its energy on working with government at all levels to help secure funding. So far, about $550 million have been committed to the corridor. This collaborative approach shaved years off the expected delivery date of an additional lane on North I-25. Construction begins this summer to add an Express Lane each direction, spanning from CO 402 (near Johnstown) to CO 14 (the Mulberry exit in Fort Collins).
Construction on the corridor begins this summer to add an Express Lane each direction, spanning from CO 402 (near Johnstown) to CO 14 (the Mulberry exit in Fort Collins).
This project was accelerated because of the leadership of local elected officials on town boards, city councils and county commissions in Weld and Larimer counties. They have committed $56 million toward this work and in the process inspired the Colorado Department of Transportation to leverage this local political and financial support by making North I-25 a top priority. Now we have refocused our efforts to secure funding for the section between CO 56 and CO 402. Recently, $200 million was committed to that stretch from Senate Bill 267, which was passed in 2017.
We’re not done yet. An additional $750 million investment is needed to complete the Express Lanes to CO 66 north of Longmont, and an additional $170 million to tie the Express Lane from SH402 to Union Station in Denver.
CDOT leaders are doing what they can with limited funding. This is a difficult challenge in light of the fact that there has been no increase to the gas tax since 1991. That is why we are participating in statewide conversations to identify other transportation funding options.
A big lesson is that progress won’t happen unless we push for it. It’s one thing to recognize a problem. It’s another to come together and find a solution. The Fix North I-25 Business Alliance is proud to be a part of community leaders in northern Colorado pushing to improve the situation along the I-25 corridor.
David May
Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO
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