The sound of heavy equipment has become the new normal soundtrack in Empire this spring, as a $10 million US Highway 40 resurfacing project transforms the town’s main corridor through the end of the year.

The Colorado Department of Transportation project, contracted to APC Construction Company, kicked off in May and will run through December 2025. For Empire’s 345 residents, it means temporary inconveniences now in exchange for long-term improvements that town leaders say are desperately needed.

“This stretch of 40 has taken a beating,” said Town Administrator Jeannette Piel during last week’s town board meeting. “Between the freeze-thaw cycles at our elevation and the constant truck traffic heading over Berthoud Pass, the road deteriorates faster than you’d see at lower elevations.”

More Than Just Pavement

While resurfacing the roadway is the headline, the project includes improvements that will enhance safety and accessibility throughout town. CDOT plans to replace two aging traffic signals, upgrade crosswalks to meet current accessibility standards, and improve curb ramps at key intersections.

The project also addresses drainage issues that have plagued certain sections of town during spring runoff. Anyone who’s navigated the flooding near the Phillips 66 during heavy snowmelt knows exactly which problems they’re fixing.

New bulb-outs—those pedestrian-friendly extensions at crosswalks—will make crossing US 40 safer, particularly important in a town where the highway doubles as Main Street.

Construction Timeline and Impacts

APC Construction is working in phases to minimize disruptions, though some delays are inevitable. The company has been coordinating with local businesses to ensure access remains open, particularly for the Peck House, Hard Rock Cafe, and other establishments that depend on highway visibility.

“We’ve been in close contact with CDOT and the contractor,” Piel noted. “They understand that for our businesses, being accessible isn’t optional—it’s survival.”

The project is scheduled for completion by December, weather permitting. Anyone familiar with Empire’s winters knows that’s a meaningful qualifier. At 8,615 feet, early snow isn’t uncommon, and work crews will be racing the calendar.

Long-Term Benefits

Once complete, the improvements should serve the town for years to come. Better drainage means less freeze-thaw damage. Upgraded signals and crosswalks improve safety for pedestrians navigating a highway that sees everything from local traffic to semi-trucks hauling freight over the pass.

For a town of Empire’s size, a $10 million infrastructure investment represents a significant upgrade. The project touches nearly every aspect of the town’s connection to the outside world—which, in Empire’s case, literally runs right down the middle of Main Street.

Residents can check project updates on CDOT’s website or contact Town Hall at (303) 569-2403 for specific concerns about access or timing.