The Colorado Department of Transportation announced on Mar. 18 that it is expanding wildfire mitigation efforts along the state’s highways in anticipation of an above-normal risk for significant fires this summer, especially in mountain and foothill regions.
The department’s actions are intended to reduce the chance that highway corridors could contribute to wildfire outbreaks during a season marked by drought conditions. According to the official website, the Colorado Department of Transportation oversees transportation infrastructure across the state of Colorado and works to improve quality of life through integrated transportation solutions.
Bob Fifer, CDOT’s deputy director of operations, said, “Our highway corridors run through some of the most fire-prone landscapes in the country. We have a responsibility not only to keep roads open, but to make sure our right of way isn’t contributing to the fire problem. This year, with drought conditions already taking hold across Colorado, we’re moving earlier and working harder to get ahead of the risk.”
To address these concerns, CDOT maintenance crews have started accelerated mowing and brush clearing along high-priority routes identified as elevated fire threat zones by state agencies. The department is also increasing herbicide treatments and mechanical brush removal where terrain or traffic heightens ignition risks. Coordination with federal and local land managers ensures vegetation management extends beyond CDOT property when possible.
CDOT is working closely with other agencies such as Colorado State Patrol and local emergency managers for drought response planning. Regional centers have set up communication channels with incident management teams and pre-positioned equipment for rapid response if evacuation or suppression becomes necessary. The agency has also updated protocols for highway closures and public notifications using tools like COtrip.org.
According to its official website, Shoshana Lew serves as executive director for CDOT. The department builds and maintains interstates, U.S., and state highways while administering grants for aviation and transit in addition to supporting multi-modal transportation systems that safely move people, goods, and information while enhancing environmental standards.
