The Colorado Department of Transportation announced on Apr. 30 that resurfacing and improvement work will begin on Colorado Highway 74 (Bear Creek Road) between Evergreen Lake and Lair O’ the Bear Park, starting May 4 and continuing through fall.
The project aims to enhance safety and accessibility for both motorists and pedestrians along a key corridor used by local residents and travelers. The work will cover mile points 6.9 to 12.5, with an estimated cost of $6.5 million.
According to the department, the construction will include asphalt milling and overlay, utility upgrades, shoulder widening, guardrail removal and replacement, concrete curb ramp improvements to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards, as well as bridge deck rehabilitation over Bear Creek. “This section of CO 74 is essential to local residents and travelers,” said CDOT Region Transportation Director Jessica Myklebust. “The new road surface and project enhancements, including enhancing pedestrian accessibility, will make travel smoother and safer for both motorists and pedestrians throughout this corridor.”
General construction operations are scheduled Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., while milling and paving through downtown Evergreen will take place overnight from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., aiming to minimize daytime disruptions in busy areas. Traffic shifts, single-lane closures with one lane open most days, periodic flagging operations reducing sections of highway to one lane, narrowed roadway widths at some locations within the work zone (down to twelve feet), speed reductions throughout the duration of the project, intermittent sidewalk restrictions in downtown Evergreen with pedestrian detours in place—all are expected during construction.
Business and residential access is planned during daytime hours; temporary restrictions may occur during overnight milling or paving but affected properties will be notified ahead of time. Motorists should expect up to ten minutes additional travel time when passing through the area; extra caution is advised around cyclists especially during summer months when bicycle traffic increases.
According to the official website, the Colorado Department of Transportation works on integrated transportation solutions designed to improve quality of life for state residents while overseeing infrastructure across Colorado such as interstates, U.S., state highways—and administering grants for aviation or transit projects. The department operates in transportation maintenance supporting highway systems as well as aviation or transit initiatives. Shoshana Lew serves as executive director for CDOT. The agency’s mission includes delivering an effective multi-modal system that safely moves people goods information while enhancing environmental standards statewide.
For real-time updates about lane closures or road conditions related this project visit COTrip.org.
