TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT: Colorado DOT begins electronic sign replacement

The Colorado Department of Transportation began replacing and upgrading electronic message signs across Summit County this week ahead of the winter tourism season. Similar efforts will be going on across the state throughout the month of August.

The new signs—most of which are along I-70—will be able to display traffic information more quickly and will be easier to read than the old signs — some of which are at least 15 years old. In lieu of being replaced, some signs are being upgraded and connected to CDOT’s expanding fiber optic network.

In most cases, the electronic signs are used to alert drivers to adverse road or weather conditions and traffic congestion. Recently, CDOT has also begun using the technology to distribute public information and even influence driver behavior by suggesting certain times to avoid traveling.  

Electronic signs are also being replaced in Garfield, Grand, Huerfano, Mesa, Moffat, Pitkin and San Miguel counties. The entire project has a total cost of $2.3 million.