The Colorado Department of Transportation is now able to tap into previously installed fiber-optic network through St. Vrain Canyon to connect traffic cameras that can quickly alert first-responders to disasters like flooding, fire and rock falls.

In 1976, flash flooding in Big Thompson Canyon killed 144 people and destroyed hundreds of homes. In 2013, days of heavy rain triggered catastrophic flooding across Boulder and Larimer counties, washing out roads in both the Big Thompson and St. Vrain canyons.

A fiber-optic digital network built in 2022 through St. Vrain Canyon to improve cell coverage and bring high-speed internet to communities along U.S. 36 will now also carry data from CDOT traffic cameras that are to be installed along the canyon under an agreement for use of state highway right of ways for telecommunications networks.

“CDOT cameras help get first responders to the scene faster since they are monitored by our Operation Centers 24 hours a day,” said Heather Paddock, CDOT’s Northeast Regional Transportation Director. “The cameras also assist the public and our plows to understand road conditions before going out. Having the cameras along US 36 will be greatly beneficial as the canyon corridor has experienced flood, fire, strong winds and heavy snow over the years.”

State transportation officials said cameras will not prevent disasters but will give crews and emergency managers real-time visibility that can speed up response when flooding, fire, rockfall or snow close in again.

The department announced it will begin construction Monday on a fiber optic cable project along CO 66 from I-25 to Lyons to connect the state’s Intelligent Transportation System to the canyon network.

Contractor Dillie and Kuhn will install the fiber and then move on to install the cameras in the canyon.

Contractor Crown Castle installed more than 20 cell towers that eliminated dead zones and fiber that expanded internet capacity along U.S. 36 beginning in 2021.

The project was made possible under a state law allowing utilities and communications providers to use highway rights of way for broadband and related infrastructure.

CDOT’s use of the network highlights the dual role envisioned under state law encouraging private investment in broadband while giving the state access to communications infrastructure for safety systems.

The project is expected to run through December 2026, with weekday work scheduled from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Shoulder closures are expected while the fiber is laid. Once the Highway 66 section is finished, crews will move into St. Vrain Canyon to install the cameras.

Live feeds will be available to the public on CoTrip.org and through CDOT’s CoTrip app.

Contact Information

Website: https://www.codot.gov/projects/us36co66itsfiber

Phone: 970-844-0415

Email: PublicInfoCO@gmail.com