Why It Matters
Colorado transportation officials are launching an emergency $4 million effort to clear trees along five major highways before summer wildfire season intensifies. The initiative marks the state’s first fire mitigation project of this scale and comes as officials warn of significantly elevated wildfire risk tied to drought and climate conditions.
Work crews will target corridors identified as the highest-risk areas, with operations running through the end of June. Motorists traveling key routes between Denver and mountain communities should expect traffic delays during weekday work hours.
What Happened
The Colorado Department of Transportation announced the emergency project Tuesday, identifying five highway segments where tree removal will begin immediately. Operations will focus on routes connecting metro Denver to mountain towns, including Clear Creek Canyon, Coal Creek Canyon, and the Golden-to-Boulder corridor.
Contractors will work Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., clearing approximately 3 miles of roadway per day. Drivers will encounter alternating traffic patterns and should follow flagger instructions in work zones.
By The Numbers
Five highways have been designated for emergency tree clearing: State Highway 119 from U.S. 6 in Clear Creek Canyon north to Nederland; Highway 72 from U.S. 6 through Coal Creek Canyon to near Allenspark; Highway 93 between Golden and Boulder; Highway 128 near its junction with Highway 93 west of Broomfield; and Highway 67 from Woodland Park north toward Westcreek.
The $4 million project represents Colorado’s largest highway fire mitigation effort to date, according to transportation officials. Work is scheduled to continue for approximately eight weeks.
Zoom Out
Western states have increasingly invested in roadside fire prevention as wildfire seasons grow longer and more severe. California, Oregon and Montana have implemented similar highway vegetation management programs in recent years, with some states dedicating permanent annual funding to the effort.
Colorado officials have pointed to ongoing drought conditions and longer-term climate trends as factors elevating wildfire risk. At a recent briefing, state fire experts emphasized the need for proactive measures before high temperatures arrive in summer months.
What’s Next
Tree-clearing operations will advance through June along the designated corridors. Transportation officials urged drivers to reduce speed in work zones and stay alert for equipment and personnel.
The state has not announced whether additional highway segments will be added to the emergency project or if similar efforts will become an annual program. Fire officials continue monitoring conditions as the season progresses.