The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) began construction on a statewide camera installation project on March 30, starting in south-central Colorado. The work started at the intersection of US Highway 24 and US 285 at Antero Junction, with additional installations near Manitou Springs/Cascade Canyon and Cripple Creek. The initiative will replace 66 cameras across the state, including several in remote regions where residents depend on these cameras to monitor highway conditions.
The project is intended to create a fully state-owned and managed network for long-term reliability, cost savings, and operational control. According to the official website, the Colorado Department of Transportation works to improve the quality of life for Colorado residents through integrated transportation solutions according to the official website.
CDOT said motorists should expect minimal impacts as most work will occur off-road. The process involves removing existing poles, installing new caissons for poles, and adding conduit for fiber connections or utility power as needed. The newly installed cameras are expected to go live by fall 2027.
Previously, more than 90 cameras were removed from CDOT’s system in July 2025 as part of a transition away from third-party vendors toward this new state-managed network. CDOT continues to operate over 1,000 cameras throughout Colorado that provide real-time road and weather information via COtrip.org. In areas where coverage was critical during this transition period, solar-powered cameras were placed on existing infrastructure or portable trailers were used at priority locations.
According to the official website, Shoshana Lew holds the role of executive director for CDOT according to the official website. The department oversees transportation infrastructure across Colorado as outlined on its official site, building and maintaining interstates, U.S. highways and state highways while also administering grants for aviation and transit according to its site. CDOT operates within the transportation sector with a focus on highway maintenance along with support for aviation and transit projects as per its official website.
Travelers can continue using COtrip.org for live camera feeds along with color-coded road condition maps, weather station data, and traveler alerts designed to help plan ahead and promote safer travel decisions.
