The U.S. Department of Transportation approved $88 million in funding for repairs and safety improvements to two important Colorado highways, Gov. Jared Polis announced Thursday.

The projects are for improvements to US 160 in La Plata County between Durango and Bayfield, and reconstruction and bridge replacements on I-76 in Morgan County between Fort Morgan and Brush.

“Part of our work to make Colorado one of the 10 safest states includes safety on our roads,” said Polis in a release. “These two grants will help improve mobility, save Coloradans time, and make needed improvements on major roadways in La Plata and Morgan County.”

The La Plata County project was awarded $58.9 million for widening four miles of the highway to four lanes and adding a 2.64-mile continuous two-way left turn lane as well as other improvements including wildlife fencing and one wildlife underpass.

“Both I-76 and U.S. 160 are critical for the economic livelihood of rural Colorado,” said U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet in the release. “These essential corridors provide passage for freight transport, commuters, tourism, recreation, and access to  natural resources.”

The I-76 project near Fort Morgan received $29.1 million for reconstruction of 1.45 miles of roadway and replacement of four bridges, including two bridges over the BNSF rail lines and two over US 6 as well as a reconfiguration of the US 6 interchange and addition of a Park-n-Ride mobility hub.

“We thank our federal partners for helping us advance these key rural road projects,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew in the release. “Improving the safety and condition of our vast rural road network is a top priority for the Polis Administration, and securing major grants like these is a major step forward.”