Ribbon Cutting Celebrates Completion of US 40 Resurfacing Project in Empire

We were proud to join the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Town of Empire, Colorado and community partners to celebrate the ribbon cutting for the recently completed US 40 Resurfacing Project through Empire, CO.

The project included resurfacing six miles of US 40 from east of Berthoud Falls to the I-70 junction, addressing significant pavement deterioration along a corridor that sees heavy weekend ski traffic and a significant amount of travelers each year.

In addition to a full roadway resurfacing, crews completed several safety and infrastructure upgrades throughout the project area, including:

• Updating the drainage system to divert water away from the roadway and reduce the risk of hydroplaning
• Installing concrete islands and medians to create greater separation between directions of traffic
• Improving pedestrian safety with upgraded crossings and push-button signals
• Replacing and cleaning inlets and culverts
• Repairing guardrails, signage and striping

Within the Town of Empire, additional improvements included replacing two traffic signals, upgrading crosswalks and curb ramps, constructing bulb-outs, and completing drainage enhancements to better manage runoff through the community.

“US 40 through Empire is a vital link for local residents and a gateway for thousands of mountain travelers and skiers every weekend,” said Shoshana Lew, Executive Director of Colorado Department of Transportation. “By making these improvements, from smoother pavement to upgraded pedestrian crossings, we are providing a more safe and reliable trip for everyone traveling to and from the high country.”

Local leaders also emphasized the importance of the improvements for residents and visitors traveling through the town.

“The US 40 Resurfacing project gave us a beautiful new road,” said Wendy Koch, Mayor of Empire, Colorado. “The new curbs and bump-outs have greatly improved pedestrian safety. With more than six million vehicles passing through Empire each year, these upgrades help create a safer environment for both the community and the traveling public.”

Construction began in May 2025 and reached substantial completion in February 2026. Crews will return in spring 2026 to complete final signage and landscaping, with minimal impacts expected for the traveling public.