The Colorado Department of Transportation has opened public comment on proposed improvements to the congested Interstate 270 corridor, where heavy traffic, unreliable travel times and aging infrastructure create daily headaches for commuters and freight haulers.

The department identified a preferred alternative that adds one tolled Express Lane in each direction along the six-mile stretch between Interstate 25 and Interstate 70 while keeping two general-purpose lanes and accommodating transit. The opportunity to comment on the draft environmental impact statement runs through Jan. 20, 2026.

The department scheduled three in-person public hearings and two webinars in January to present the proposal and gather feedback. All five sessions cover the same information, with in-person events at Adams City High School in Commerce City from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, from 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 10 , and 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 13. Webinars take place Tuesday, Jan. 7 and Jan. 15, both from 5 to 6 p.m.

“Hearing directly from the people who live, work and travel along I-270 is essential,” said Executive Director Shoshana Lew in a press release. “Public feedback strengthens the final plan and ensures we’re addressing local needs while improving safety and mobility. These meetings are also an opportunity to learn more about the preferred alternative and ask questions.”

The draft statement examines options to improve safety and long-term mobility for surrounding communities. Department officials have said the preferred approach delivers those gains after years of technical review and earlier public input.

Other options studied include adding a third general-purpose lane in each direction.

Attendees can comment through on-site cards, recorded one-on-one statements with court reporters, timed public remarks, or online forms. Spanish-language services run at all meetings, with American Sign Language available on request. In-person sessions also offer food, refreshments, and children’s activities.

The full draft statement, executive summaries, and comment forms appear online at codot.gov/projects/studies/i270study.