CDOT begins traffic signal upgrades on Highway 82 – Garfield County, Colorado
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CDOT begins traffic signal upgrades on Highway 82

Work begins August 31 from Aspen to Glenwood Springs

CDOT PRESS RELEASE
August 27, 2026

The Colorado Department of Transportation begins a region-wide traffic signal upgrade project on Monday, Aug. 31. Work will start along Colorado Highway 82 near Aspen and move west towards Glenwood Springs before expanding across CDOT’s Northwest Region.

For the first wave of improvements on CO 82, to minimize impacts on commuters and visitors, crews will perform the upgrades at night. The project involves installing backplates with reflective borders at more than 200 intersections across Northwest Colorado, significantly enhancing signal visibility, contrast, and overall corridor safety.

“Safety is CDOT’s top priority, and upgrading more than 200 intersections across Northwest Colorado will significantly improve signal visibility and reliability for everyone on the road,” said Jason Smith, CDOT Region 3 Regional Transportation Director.

Additional work includes refreshing Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs for all signal components and selectively replacing outdated traffic signal heads. Once complete, these upgrades will modernize traffic operations and extend the operational lifespan of the equipment. Lighthouse Transportation Group is the contractor for this $1.9 million project.

Project waves and geographic focus areas:
While the first phase begins on CO 82, work is structured in geographic waves across 15 counties in CDOT’s Northwest Region. Travelers can view the interactive map showing all signal locations and active work zones here: R3 Signal Upgrade Locations – Google My Maps. While dates are established for each wave, schedule timelines remain subject to change based on weather and operational progress.

Traffic impacts
Beginning Monday, Aug. 31, motorists will encounter road work on CO 82. Traffic impacts will include:

  • Nighttime work hours will be 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Daytime work hours will be 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
  • The project will implement rolling closures or full single-lane closures as needed at the intersections where traffic signals are being upgraded.
  • Delay lane closures, guided by flaggers, could experience up to 15-minute delays.
  • The speed limit will vary through the work zones.
  • The project is expected to last until late spring of 2027.

Project information
For additional information about this project:

  • Call the project information line at 970-456-8066
  • Email the project team at: CDOTReg3trafficsignals@gmail.com
  • Visit the project website at: Coming soon