Breaking ground on a safer, more connected Happy Canyon interchange

Your trip through the Happy Canyon Road and Interstate 25 interchange is getting an upgrade designed to improve safety, ease congestion and keep our growing community moving.

Douglas County, the City of Castle Pines and the Colorado Department of Transportation celebrated a groundbreaking Friday, Nov. 13, kickstarting the approximately $39.3 million interchange reconstruction project.

The project includes:

• Replacement of the existing bridge over I-25
• Construction of a new bridge to the north
• New highway ramps
• New traffic signals
• New off-highway intersections
• Upgraded drainage
• A new diverging diamond interchange to accommodate future traffic demands while reducing conflicts between turning vehicles.

“This project is an investment in both local safety and the future of I-25,” said Commissioner George Teal. “By widening the interchange, we’re creating room for future interstate improvements while making it easier for residents to travel between our communities. Working with Castle Pines and CDOT helps us address today’s transportation needs and plan for tomorrow.”

An intergovernmental agreement between Douglas County and Castle Pines outlines the funding, construction and long-term maintenance responsibilities supporting the project. Under the agreement, Douglas County’s construction contribution is $15.25 million from voter-approved Fund 235, paid in two installments tied to the City’s award of construction contracts.

Castle Pines will serve as project manager throughout construction and will coordinate with Douglas County on any major project changes.

“This project is a great example of what we can accomplish when local, county, and state partners come together with a shared vision,” said Castle Pines Mayor Tracy Engerman. “The Happy Canyon interchange is a critical connection for Castle Pines and the surrounding region, and these improvements will make travel safer, more efficient, and better equipped to meet the needs of our growing communities.”

The agreement also plans for the interchange’s future. The City and County will share equally in long-term maintenance and repair costs for the designated Happy Canyon Road improvements between the Lagae Road roundabout and the east side of the Lariat Drive intersection.

An anticipated $11.2 million contribution from the Colorado Department of Transportation and its Statewide Bridge and Tunnel Enterprise, through a separate asset transfer agreement, includes $10.2 million for construction and $1 million reserved for future maintenance and repairs.

Through a competitive bid process, Castle Pines selected Kraemer North America as the project contractor. Construction will be phased to maintain traffic across Happy Canyon Road while crews build the new bridge structures. Drivers should expect lane shifts, intermittent ramp closures and nighttime I-25 closures for certain bridge activities. Completion is anticipated in early 2029.

For construction updates and information about the interchange design, visit the Happy Canyon Interchange project webpage.

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