The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is responsible for a 9,146 mile highway system, including 3,447 bridges. Each year, this system handles over 27.4 billion vehicle miles of travel. Although the Interstate system accounts for only about 10 percent (914 miles) of the total mileage on the state system, 40 percent of all travel takes place on our Interstate highways.
CDOT's highway construction program attracts private contractors and the low bidder is awarded the project and in turn is responsible for construction of that project. This partnership between government and business works well as we improve and expand our transportation system.
CDOT maintenance forces take care of the highway system, plowing snow and repairing pavement. Last winter, these men and women plowed 6.8 million miles of highway. They also repaired road damage and potholes, using more than 220,571 tons of asphalt and 1.7 million gallons of liquid asphalt in preservation activities.
CDOT is more than roads and bridges. The Division of Aeronautics supports aviation interests statewide, including grants to help improve local airports. CDOT's Division of Transit and Rail provides assistance to numerous transit systems in the state. And the Office of Transportation Safety helps local law enforcement agencies with special funds to apprehend drunk drivers and increase use of safety belts.
CDOT's Vision:
To enhance the quality of life and the environment of the citizens of Colorado by creating an integrated transportation system that focuses on safely moving people and goods by offering convenient linkages among modal choices.
CDOT's Mission:
To provide the best multi-modal transportation system for Colorado that most effectively and safely moves people, goods, and information.
CDOT's Values:
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SAFETY - We work and live safely! We protect human life, preserve property, and put employee safety before production!
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PEOPLE We value our employees! We acknowledge and recognize the skills and abilities of our coworkers, place a high priority on employee safety, and draw strength from our diversity and commitment to equal opportunity.
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INTEGRITY We earn Colorado's trust! We are honest and responsible in all that we do and hold ourselves to the highest moral and ethical standards.
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CUSTOMER SERVICE We satisfy our customers! With a can-do attitude we work together and with others to respond effectively to our customer's needs.
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EXCELLENCE We are committed to quality! We are leaders and problem solvers, continuously improving our products and services in support of our commitment to provide the best transportation systems for Colorado.
CDOT History:
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1909 - The first highway bill was passed by forming a three-member Highway Commission to approve work and allocate funds.
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1917 - The State Highway Fund was created and the State Highway Department (CDOH - Colorado Department of Highways) was formed.
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1968 - The legislation reorganized highway matters and created the Division of Highways
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1991 - CDOH became Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)