CDOT begins construction on statewide camera project

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) kicked off the statewide camera installation project starting in south-central Colorado on Monday, March 30.

Work began at the intersection of U.S. 24 and U.S. 285 at Antero Junction followed by the U.S. 24 location near Manitou Springs/Cascade Canyon at mile point 296 and Colo. 67 near Cripple Creek at mile point 56. The project will replace 66 cameras throughout the state, several of these cameras are located in remote areas of regions where people rely on the cameras to view highway conditions. The new camera infrastructure represents a full transition to a state-owned, state-managed network designed for long-term reliability, cost savings and operational control. 

Motorists can expect minimal impacts as most of the work will be off the roadway. Work next week begins by removing existing poles, then installing caissons for the new poles and installing conduit for any sites that have a fiber connection or will operate on a utility power. For a list of new camera installations, visit the project map. The project is anticipated to be completed with the newly installed cameras going live by fall 2027. 

Just over 90 cameras were taken off CDOT’s system in July 2025 as CDOT transitioned away from a third-party vendor system toward a fully state-owned and managed network that will address longstanding performance issues with previously contracted coverage. CDOT continues to operate more than 1,000 cameras statewide, providing the public and operators with real-time views of road and weather conditions through COtrip.org.

Public feedback was helpful in identifying where on the network customer utilization of cameras concentrates. CDOT is also evaluating other key areas where a similar solution could be deployed, while the department continues its longer-term network modernization.

In some areas where coverage was critical, CDOT placed solar powered cameras on existing infrastructure. This approach allowed the department to re-establish coverage in critical areas in a cost-effective and resilient manner while permanent infrastructure is designed and installed in multiple locations throughout the state. In addition, CDOT has placed cameras on portable trailers at a few priority locations to provide flexible coverage as needed.  

The locations where CDOT has deployed this approach include: 

• U.S. 40 Berthoud Pass.
• U.S. 40 Rabbit Ears Pass.
• Colo. 14 Cameron Pass.
• Colo. 133 McClure Pass.
• The Nordic Center on Colo. 65 in Mesa County.

Travelers can continue to view live cameras on COtrip.org, where CDOT also provides color-coded road condition maps, weather station data and traveler alerts to help motorists plan ahead, monitor conditions and make safer travel decisions throughout the state.