In Colorado, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is the agency responsible for transportation in the state. In general, CDOT maintains a 9,144 mile highway system and 3,429 bridges. Every year, CDOT handles over 28 billion vehicle miles of travel. The mission of CDOT is to “provide the best multi-modal transportation system for Colorado that most effectively moves people, goods, and information.” CDOT was established pursuant to C.R.S. 24-1-128.7. The head of CDOT is the executive director appointed by the governor of the state.
CDOT consists of the following divisions:
- Highway Operations and Maintenance Division – the head of which shall be the chief engineer;
- Aeronautics Division – the head of which shall be the director of the aeronautics division;
- Transportation Development Division – the head of which shall be the director of the transportation development division;
- Engineering, Design, and Construction Division – the head of which shall be the chief engineer; and
- Transit and Rail Division – the head of which shall be the director of the transit and rail division.
Further, CDOT administers a variety of state and federal programs to complete projects that enhance the state’s comprehensive transportation network. Some of CDOT’s summer programs currently in force are:
- The Heat Is On Campaign – Provides public awareness campaigns to fight against alcohol and impaired driving issues;
- Bicycle & Pedestrian Program – Provides information on safe routes to school, share the road, and bicycle maps; and
- Seat Belts & Car Seats – Provides campaigns in using seat belts and car seats.