The Colorado Department of Transportation announced on Apr. 30 that resurfacing and improvement work will begin on Colorado Highway 74 (Bear Creek Road) between Evergreen Lake and Lair O’ the Bear Park starting May 4, with completion expected by Fall 2026.
The project is important for local residents and travelers as it aims to enhance road safety, accessibility, and comfort along a key mountain corridor. The $6.5 million effort includes asphalt milling and overlay, utility upgrades, shoulder widening, guardrail replacement, curb ramp improvements to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards, and bridge deck rehabilitation over Bear Creek.
Jessica Myklebust, Region Transportation Director for the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), said: “This section of CO 74 is essential to local residents and travelers. The new road surface and project enhancements, including enhancing pedestrian accessibility, will make travel smoother and safer for both motorists and pedestrians throughout this corridor.”
General construction operations are scheduled Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., while overnight milling and paving through downtown Evergreen will take place from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Daytime traffic shifts with single-lane closures are planned most days; flagging operations may reduce sections of the highway to one lane at times. Speed reductions will be enforced during construction, sidewalk access in downtown Evergreen may be restricted intermittently with detours provided for pedestrians, but business and residential access will generally be maintained except during certain paving activities when advance notice will be given.
Motorists should expect up to ten minutes of additional travel time when passing through the work zone but significant delays are not anticipated. Drivers are advised to use caution around cyclists—especially during summer months—and watch for workers or equipment in lane-restricted areas.
According to the official website, CDOT works toward improving quality of life for Colorado residents by delivering integrated transportation solutions across the state. The agency also seeks an effective multi-modal system that safely transports people while meeting environmental standards according to its website. Shoshana Lew serves as executive director as indicated by CDOT.
As outlined on its official website, CDOT oversees statewide transportation infrastructure—including building highways as well as administering aviation grants—and operates within the transportation sector focusing on highway maintenance alongside support for aviation or transit services.
