Colorado launches emergency tree cutting project to reduce wildfire risk

The Colorado Department of Transportation began a $4 million emergency tree cutting project targeting state highway corridors determined to be at the highest risk for wildfires this summer. Work is expected to continue through the end of June.

The project is being performed by two contractors, VM West and Asplundh, and covers five highway corridors:

Colorado Highway 119 from Mile Point 0 to 40 (from US 6 in Clear Creek Canyon north to the Nederland area)

Colorado Highway 72 from MP 10 to 53 (from Coal Creek Canyon through Pinecliffe and Nederland to near Allenspark)

Colorado Highway 93 from MP 7 to 10 (between Golden and Boulder)

Colorado Highway 128 from MP 1 to 3 (near the junction with CO 93, west of Broomfield)

Colorado Highway 67 from MP 77 to 100 (from the Woodland Park area north toward Westcreek)

Crews will work Mondays through Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., advancing approximately three miles per day.

“Reducing fuel loads along our highway corridors is a critical step in protecting both our infrastructure and the communities these roads serve,” said Jim Fox, CDOT’s deputy director of maintenance. “This emergency project allows us to address the highest-risk areas quickly and aggressively before fire season peaks.”

Motorists traveling through active work areas should expect alternating one-lane traffic controlled by flaggers. Signage is in place along affected corridors to alert drivers of upcoming tree cutting activities. Drivers are urged to slow down, follow flagger instructions and remain alert when passing through work zones.