Colorado Will Begin Rabbit Ears Pass Repairs
Construction on Highway 40 to address barrier damage will begin on October 5, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Construction
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The Colorado Department of Transportation will begin repair work on Highway 40 near Mile Point 141.2 on October 5, 2026. The project aims to replace barricades destroyed in a July 2025 semi-truck collision.
Why it matters
The repairs are necessary to restore safety infrastructure that has been serviced by temporary measures for over a year. The work will require lane adjustments that may affect traffic flow for travelers.
The project is estimated to take 12 work days and includes width restrictions of 10 feet. Construction will occur daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Mile Point 141.2.
The players
Colorado Department of Transportation
This state agency is responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of Colorado's highway and bridge systems.
The details
Construction teams will implement lane shifts and closures to facilitate the repair of the barrier system. Flaggers will manage traffic movement on-site while electronic messaging boards alert motorists to changing conditions.
Timeline
July 17, 2025: Semi-truck collision destroyed original barricades.
October 5, 2026: Repair construction work begins.
Market Landscape
This repair project follows the infrastructure maintenance protocols mandated by the Colorado Department of Transportation's Strategic Highway Safety Plan. It reflects the ongoing regional effort to modernize mountain transit corridors and improve traveler safety.
Commuters traveling through Rabbit Ears Pass should anticipate traffic delays and speed reductions during the two-week project. Vehicles exceeding 10 feet in width must account for the temporary restriction until work concludes.
The takeaway
Travelers using the Highway 40 corridor should factor in extra time for potential delays throughout the 12-day repair window. Checking official transit resources before departure remains the best way to avoid peak congestion during the construction phase.
Further reading
Find more updates on state infrastructure projects at Colorado Construction.
More information
For live travel updates and construction schedules, visit Colorado traffic and construction information.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Steamboat Radio.
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