Colorado clears land ahead of I-25/Cimarron Interchange project

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is about to remove several billboards, a handful of pole barns and other structures as part of the Interstate 25/Cimarron Street (U.S. 24) Interchange project, the CDOT said last week.

The reconstruction of the interchange begins this spring, but the removal of these structures is not the first demolition that has been done. In November 2014, crews demolished the old Express Inn at Eighth and Cimarron Streets. That area will be used as a staging area for equipment when the reconstruction project begins.

“The owners/businesses were relocated after CDOT purchased the properties as part of the right-of-way acquisition prior to the reconstruction project,” CDOT Resident Engineer Dave Watt said.

"Asbestos removal has been completed and then, after the structures are demolished and the debris removed, holes will be filled, and the site will be leveled and graded for erosion control. The entire process is anticipated to take between 30 and 45 days.”

The public is advised to stay away from the demolition sites, and the contractor is fencing in the work area to ensure the public’s safety.