The Colorado Department of Transportation announced on April 9 that a permanent change will take place at the Airport Road and CO 119/Diagonal Highway intersection starting Monday, April 13. The median at Airport Road will be converted into a one-way northbound road, with southbound travel in the median permanently prohibited beginning around 3 p.m. that day.
This modification is part of ongoing safety improvements for the corridor, aimed at reducing crashes and improving mobility for all users. According to project data, most crashes involving southbound Airport Road occur when vehicles attempt left turns onto northbound CO 119, resulting in injuries in about 85% of cases. By eliminating this turning movement, officials expect to reduce sideswipe and rear-end collisions while also removing the need for certain traffic controls at the intersection.
On April 13 from 7 a.m. to approximately 3 p.m., there will be a full closure of the Airport Road median between northbound and southbound CO 119 as crews begin work. During this time, detours will direct eastbound travelers via southbound CO 119 and westbound travelers via northbound CO 119; both RTD bus stops near the intersection will also be temporarily closed for pedestrian safety.
After reopening at around 3 p.m., only northbound travel through the median will be allowed as phase one of construction begins—expected to last about two months—with lane reductions and partial trail closures affecting vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian routes.
The project is part of broader efforts by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to improve corridor-wide safety and operational efficiency along Diagonal Highway between Boulder and Longmont. Anticipating a projected increase in vehicular traffic by up to twenty-five percent by year 2040, CDOT plans additional measures such as new signage, improved signal timing at key intersections including Jay Road and Niwot Road, construction of commuter bikeways with local connections across major intersections, changes at other access points like Colorado Highway 52 for future Bus Rapid Transit stations, as well as continued support for multimodal transportation options.
According to the official website, CDOT works toward integrated transportation solutions that enhance quality of life statewide while overseeing infrastructure such as interstates and state highways. Shoshana Lew serves as executive director according to information provided by the agency. As per its official site, CDOT operates within highway maintenance but also supports aviation and transit projects across Colorado.
