The Colorado Department of Transportation announced on Mar. 18 that it is stepping up wildfire mitigation efforts along the state’s highways due to forecasts indicating an above-normal risk for significant fires this summer, especially in mountainous and foothill regions.
This initiative comes as drought conditions intensify across Colorado, raising concerns about wildfires that could threaten travelers and nearby communities. The department said it has accelerated its vegetation management program, expanded partnerships with other agencies, and updated contingency plans to address the heightened risk.
“Our highway corridors run through some of the most fire-prone landscapes in the country,” said Bob Fifer, CDOT’s deputy director of operations. “We have a responsibility not only to keep roads open, but to make sure our right of way isn’t contributing to the fire problem. This year, with drought conditions already taking hold across Colorado, we’re moving earlier and working harder to get ahead of the risk.”
CDOT maintenance crews have begun early mowing, brush clearing, and vegetation treatment along high-priority corridors identified by state fire officials as having elevated wildfire threats. These include stretches from El Paso/Teller counties northward to Larimer County; Jefferson westward to Garfield counties; and several southwestern counties such as Montezuma and La Plata. The department is also increasing herbicide use and mechanical brush removal where topography or traffic heightens ignition risks. On major mountain routes like US Highway 6 and Interstate 70, these efforts are being coordinated with federal and local land managers.
In addition to physical mitigation work, CDOT participates in statewide multiagency drought response efforts alongside organizations such as Colorado State Patrol and county emergency managers. The department’s regional centers maintain communication with local incident teams and have pre-positioned equipment for potential evacuations or suppression activities.
Highway closure protocols have been updated through coordination with the Division of Homeland Security for rapid response during fire-related incidents using message signs, alternate route planning, and public notifications via COtrip.org.
According to the official website, CDOT works on integrated transportation solutions aimed at improving quality of life for residents while overseeing infrastructure statewide. The agency delivers a multi-modal system supporting safe transport for people and goods while enhancing environmental standards according to its official site. Shoshana Lew serves as executive director according to official information.
As outlined on its website, CDOT builds interstates as well as U.S. highways throughout Colorado while administering grants for aviation and transit projects. The department operates within the transportation sector focusing on highway maintenance along with support services for aviation according to its official description.
