State commission OKs $250 million to widen I-25 from Monument to Castle Rock

The Colorado Transportation Commission on Thursday approved a key component of the funding plan to widen Interstate 25 from Monument to Castle Rock.

The commission voted unanimously, with one member absent and excused, to pass a resolution that would designate about $250 million in state transportation funds if the project is awarded a highly-competitive federal grant.

The $250 million - along with the $65 million the grant might provide, plus $35 million in local funding - would cover the estimated $350 million bill for the project. CDOT is proposing adding one new toll lane in each direction from Monument to Plum Creek Parkway, similar to the express lanes on U.S. 36 from Denver to Boulder.

If the widening project does not receive the grant, the commissions will revisit the state's allocation to determine if all or some of the money would still go toward the project, according to CDOT.

El Paso County will apply for the grant, administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Infrastructure for Rebuilding America, or INFRA, program. The deadline is Nov. 2, and awards are expected to be announced in the spring.

to read the full article by 11 News partner The Gazette.