Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Construction FAQs

Who do I contact in case of an emergency while traveling through the construction zone?
Please call 911.

Who do I contact if I see debris in the road or traffic control devices out of place within the construction zone?
Please call the project Hotline at 719.846.4961 or the CDOT Project Engineer at 719.845-0028.

Who do I contact for general construction related questions?
Please call the project Hotline at 719.846.4961 or the CDOT Project Engineer at 719.845-0028.

Where can I find out about traffic detours or roadway closures?
See the Traffic Alerts page of this website and look for news articles in The Chronicle News and the Trinidad Times Independent.

What is included in the current construction project?
Phase II includes reconstruction of northbound and southbound I-25 from Van Buren to Commercial Street; removal of the northbound on and southbound off-ramp at the Van Buren Interchange; replacement of the viaducts, Purgatoire River bridges and Main Street Bridges; reconstruction of the Main Street Interchange and ¾ of the Commercial Street Interchange; replacement of the AMTRAK depot; extension of the Purgatoire River Trail from I-25 to Van Buren; Purgatoire River Park improvements; and a construction of a parking lot under the viaducts. (More info: Design)

How long will construction last?
Phase II construction is expected to last through summer of 2011.

Why will I-25 be limited to one-lane in each direction during construction?
During Phase II SB, I-25 southbound traffic will be detoured to the newly reconstructed inside northbound lane of I-25 from Van Buren to Goddard. This detour allows for the total reconstruction of the southbound lanes away from the traveling public.

What happens if I-25 is shut down due to an accident in the construction zone?
CDOT and local agencies have an incident management plan in place in the event of partial or full closure of I-25 within the construction zone. Detours have been predetermined to route I-25 traffic onto local roadways for various closure scenarios.

How will pedestrians be protected during construction?
Pedestrians are not allowed on I-25. At street level the Contractor is required to fence off the construction zone and to provide safe, well defined routes for pedestrians to walk around/through the construction area.

How do I apply for a construction job on this project?
Please call the Colorado Work Force Center at 719.846.9221. (More info: Employment Opps)

Will traffic be cut off to local businesses during construction?
No. The Colorado Department of Transportation is committed to maintaining access to Trinidad businesses, tourist areas, the historic district, and the trail system. Prior to modifications to existing I-25 interchanges alternative routes will be in place, allowing continued access from I-25 to all areas of Trinidad.

Is CDOT doing anything to help the public find my business or organization during construction?
Businesses located near the project site are invited to list their company/organization information and best route to their business/organization on the Business Access page of this website. Request forms can be filled out online or by contacting Linda Wilson at wilson-linda@comcast.net (303.204.2244) or Bob Wilson at bob.j.wilson@dot.state.co.us (303.757.9431).

General & Design FAQs

Why is I-25 being reconstructed through Trinidad?
Existing I-25 through the City of Trinidad is outdated per current design standards and the existing viaducts and bridges within the corridor are nearing the end of their design life. I-25’s horizontal and vertical alignment is unsafe for today’s higher traffic speeds, heavier traffic volumes and larger trucks, interchanges are spaced too closely together and do not allow for safe weave movements, the small shoulders are unsafe for stalled vehicles, and structures are functionally and structurally obsolete.

How will Trinidad benefit from this project?
Trinidad will have a safer section of interstate highway and improved access for tourists and residents. The project also provides an opportunity to update the viaduct portion of I-25 to a more open structure, adding aesthetic and architectural details that enhance and compliment Trinidad's historic downtown area. (More info: Benefits to Trinidad)

What will be included in the future Phase III construction project?
Phase III will reconstruct I-25 from Van Buren Drive south to Sopris Road, remove the remaining portion of the Van Buren interchange, and construct a new interchange a mile south of Country Club Drive. Design and construction of Phase III will occur as funding becomes available. (More info: Design)