Colorado

Highway Safety Improvement Program

2015 Annual Report

Prepared by: CO
ii

Disclaimer

Protection of Data from Discovery & Admission into Evidence

23 U.S.C. 148(h)(4) states “Notwithstanding any other provision of law, reports, surveys, schedules, 

lists, or data compiled or collected for any purpose relating to this section [HSIP], shall not be 

subject to discovery or admitted into evidence in a Federal or State court proceeding or considered 

for other purposes in any action for damages arising from any occurrence at a location identified or 

addressed in the reports, surveys, schedules, lists, or other data.” 

23 U.S.C. 409 states “Notwithstanding any other provision of law, reports, surveys, schedules, lists, 

or data compiled or collected for the purpose of identifying, evaluating, or planning the safety 

enhancement of potential accident sites, hazardous roadway conditions, or railway-highway 

crossings, pursuant to sections 130, 144, and 148 of this title or for the purpose of developing any 

highway safety construction improvement project which may be implemented utilizing Federal-aid 

highway funds shall not be subject to discovery or admitted into evidence in a Federal or State 

court proceeding or considered for other purposes in any action for damages arising from any 

occurrence at a location mentioned or addressed in such reports, surveys, schedules, lists, or data.”
iii

Table of Contents

Disclaimer...................................................................................................................................................... ii

Executive Summary....................................................................................................................................... 1

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 2

Program Structure ........................................................................................................................................ 2

Program Administration ........................................................................................................................... 2

Program Methodology.............................................................................................................................. 4

Progress in Implementing Projects............................................................................................................... 9

Funds Programmed............................................................................................................................... 9

General Listing of Projects.................................................................................................................. 12

Progress in Achieving Safety Performance Targets .................................................................................... 23

Overview of General Safety Trends........................................................................................................ 23

Application of Special Rules.................................................................................................................... 37

Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Improvements (Program Evaluation) ..........................................40

SHSP Emphasis Areas.............................................................................................................................. 42

Groups of similar project types............................................................................................................... 47

Systemic Treatments............................................................................................................................... 52

Project Evaluation................................................................................................................................... 58

Glossary....................................................................................................................................................... 60
2015 Colorado Highway Safety Improvement Program

1

Executive Summary

The general trend in fatal crash reduction experienced on Colorado roadways has continued to remain 

stable in the most recent reporting period. Colorado’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) emphasizes 

the goal of crash reduction and includes, among other performance measures, reducing fatal and injury 

crash rates. Colorado has continued to progress in meeting these goals by effectively utilizing HSIP 

resources to incorporate safety improvements across a broad range of maintenance, safety and noninfrastructure projects. Innovative methodologies have been developed and used by CDOT to identify 

locations, on a statewide scale, with the greatest potential for crash reduction. Crash data processing 

has improved considerably over the last few years. The increase in completeness, accuracy and 

timeliness has significantly improved crash data analysis and network screening. In combination with 

HSIP funding, these procedures have been applied to the selection of highly cost-effective safety 

improvement projects constructed under this program. A newly updated SHSP has been published in 

2015 which will provide detailed analysis of safety performance measures and focus on additional 

emphasis areas in order to provide guidance on how to reduce severe crashes across the state in order 

to support the vision of moving towards zero deaths.
2015 Colorado Highway Safety Improvement Program

2

Introduction

The Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) is a core Federal-aid program 

with the purpose of achieving a significant reduction in fatalities and serious 

injuries on all public roads. As per 23 U.S.C. 148(h) and 23 CFR 924.15, States are 

required to report annually on the progress being made to advance HSIP 

implementation and evaluation efforts. The format of this report is consistent 

with the HSIP MAP-21 Reporting Guidance dated February 13, 2013 and consists 

of four sections: program structure, progress in implementing HSIP projects, 

progress in achieving safety performance targets, and assessment of the 

effectiveness of the improvements. 

Program Structure

Program Administration

How are Highway Safety Improvement Program funds allocated in a State? 

Central

District

Other

Describe how local roads are addressed as part of Highway Safety Improvement Program.

Under this program all public roadways are eligible for participation. Submittals for projects not located 

on the State Highway system are olicited from local authorities through the various MPOs and the 

Special Highway Committee of the Colorado Counties, Inc. and the Colorado Municipal League. These 

candidate proposals for safety improvement projects are submitted for locations identified using the 

locals’ own high hazard locations identification system. As with the Region applications, all submittals 

will be required to meet the minimum criteria. Copies of project applications received in the Safety and 

Traffic Engineering Office from locals are submitted to the Region offices for comments, evaluation and 

approval. The Region offices are specifically requested to verify project cost estimates, and when 
2015 Colorado Highway Safety Improvement Program

3

necessary, are also requested to make project cost adjustments with the submitting local authorities’ 

concurrence.

Identify which internal partners are involved with Highway Safety Improvement Program planning. 

Design

Planning

Maintenance

Operations

Governors Highway Safety Office

Other: Other-Office of Financial Management & Budget

Other: Other-Region Traffic Design and Operations units

Briefly describe coordination with internal partners. 

A statewide composite listing of potential locations for accident reduction is compiled for all highway 

segments and intersections performing at a sub-standard level of service of safety (LOSS) as well as 

identifying accident patterns that are overrepresented at those locations. This listing is then stratified 

by the Region and provided to the appropriate CDOT Regions and Local Agencies for review. The initial 

candidate listing of high hazard locations is reviewed by each Regional traffic engineering unit. The 

Regions use the high hazard listing along with other information such as their own operational reviews, 

input from citizens, staff and city/county personnel as well as other ongoing or scheduled construction 

activities in order to determine the most feasible and beneficial candidate safety project submittals. The 

Region may also choose to nominate other safety project locations besides those mentioned on the 

listing. Any regional nominations not on the list will still need to meet the criteria discussed above.

Identify which external partners are involved with Highway Safety Improvement Program planning. 

Metropolitan Planning Organizations

Governors Highway Safety Office
2015 Colorado Highway Safety Improvement Program

4

Local Government Association

Other: Other-Local Municipalities

Identify any program administration practices used to implement the HSIP that have changed since 

the last reporting period.

Multi-disciplinary HSIP steering committee

Other: Other-updated Strategic Highway Safety Plan

Describe any other aspects of Highway Safety Improvement Program Administration on which you 

would like to elaborate.

The updated SHSP establishes emphasis areas and safety improvement guidance that is consistent with 

current and emerging safety problems such as older driver safety, motorcycle safety and distracted 

driving. A systemic approach is being developed to address off system locations where a hot spot 

analysis may not be as effective. There are also plans to increase public access to CDOT safety analysis 

resources and guidance in order to help local agencies select better safety improvement projects.

Program Methodology

Select the programs that are administered under the HSIP. 

Median Barrier Intersection Safe Corridor

Horizontal Curve Bicycle Safety Rural State Highways

Skid Hazard Crash Data Red Light Running Prevention

Roadway Departure Low-Cost Spot Improvements Sign Replacement And 

Improvement
2015 Colorado Highway Safety Improvement Program

5

Local Safety Pedestrian Safety Right Angle Crash

Left Turn Crash Shoulder Improvement Segments

Other: Other-General

Program: Other-General

Date of Program Methodology: 1/1/2000

 

What data types were used in the program methodology? 

Crashes Exposure Roadway

All crashes Traffic Median width

Fatal crashes only Volume Horizontal curvature

Fatal and serious injury 

crashes only

Population Functional classification

Other Lane miles Roadside features

Other Other 

What project identification methodology was used for this program? 

Crash frequency

Expected crash frequency with EB adjustment

Equivalent property damage only (EPDO Crash frequency)

EPDO crash frequency with EB adjustment
2015 Colorado Highway Safety Improvement Program

6

Relative severity index

Crash rate

Critical rate

Level of service of safety (LOSS)

Excess expected crash frequency using SPFs

Excess expected crash frequency with the EB adjustment

Excess expected crash frequency using method of moments

Probability of specific crash types

Excess proportions of specific crash types

Other 

Are local roads (non-state owned and operated) included or addressed in this program?

Yes

No

If yes, are local road projects identified using the same methodology as state roads?

Yes

No

How are highway safety improvement projects advanced for implementation?

Competitive application process

selection committee

Other 

Select the processes used to prioritize projects for implementation. For the methods selected, indicate 

the relative importance of each process in project prioritization. Enter either the weights or numerical 

rankings. If weights are entered, the sum must equal 100. If ranks are entered, indicate ties by giving 

both processes the same rank and skip the next highest rank (as an example: 1, 2, 2, 4).
2015 Colorado Highway Safety Improvement Program

7

Relative Weight in Scoring

Rank of Priority Consideration

Ranking based on B/C 2

Available funding 1

Incremental B/C

Ranking based on net benefit

Other 

What proportion of highway safety improvement program funds address systemic improvements? 

5

Highway safety improvement program funds are used to address which of the following systemic 

improvements?

Cable Median Barriers Rumble Strips

Traffic Control Device Rehabilitation Pavement/Shoulder Widening

Install/Improve Signing Install/Improve Pavement Marking and/or 

Delineation

Upgrade Guard Rails Clear Zone Improvements

Safety Edge Install/Improve Lighting

Add/Upgrade/Modify/Remove Traffic Signal Other 
2015 Colorado Highway Safety Improvement Program

8

What process is used to identify potential countermeasures? 

Engineering Study

Road Safety Assessment

Other: Other-Requests by local agencies for investigations.

Identify any program methodology practices used to implement the HSIP that have changed since the 

last reporting period.

Highway Safety Manual

Road Safety audits

Systemic Approach

Other: 

Describe any other aspects of the Highway Safety Improvement Program methodology on which you 

would like to elaborate. 

A methodology for implementing a systemic approach is being studied and developed. Statewide 

locations with potential for accident reductions are updated on a periodic basis.
2015 Colorado Highway Safety Improvement Program

9

Progress in Implementing Projects

Funds Programmed

Reporting period for Highway Safety Improvement Program funding.

Calendar Year

State Fiscal Year

Federal Fiscal Year

Enter the programmed and obligated funding for each applicable funding category.

Funding Category Programmed* Obligated

HSIP (Section 148) 41577362 96 % 35810646 95 %

HRRRP (SAFETEA-LU)

HRRR Special Rule

Penalty Transfer -

Section 154

Penalty Transfer –

Section 164

Incentive Grants - 

Section 163

Incentive Grants 

(Section 406)

Other Federal-aid 

Funds (i.e. STP, NHPP)

State and Local Funds 1923380.7 4 % 1923380.7 5 %
2015 Colorado Highway Safety Improvement Program

10

Totals 43500742.7 100% 37734026.7 100%

How much funding is programmed to local (non-state owned and maintained) safety projects? 

$1,473,150.00

How much funding is obligated to local safety projects?

$2,401,142.00

How much funding is programmed to non-infrastructure safety projects? 

$877,503.00

How much funding is obligated to non-infrastructure safety projects?

$631,643.00

How much funding was transferred in to the HSIP from other core program areas during the reporting 

period?

$0.00
2015 Colorado Highway Safety Improvement Program

11

How much funding was transferred out of the HSIP to other core program areas during the reporting 

period? 

$0.00

Discuss impediments to obligating Highway Safety Improvement Program funds and plans to 

overcome this in the future.

There are longer than expected start up times for safety improvement projects, especially those run by 

local agencies. Special attention will now be given to construction scheduling and priority for fund 

programming will be given to projects that can deliver on a timely basis. The plan includes identifying 

projects in advance for future fiscal years and funding projects in phases in order to obligate funds in the 

year that they are being spent.

Describe any other aspects of the general Highway Safety Improvement Program implementation 

progress on which you would like to elaborate.

A revised general budget process at CDOT has been implemented which will allow obligation of HSIP 

funding to be processed more efficiently.
2015 Colorado Highway Safety Improvement Program

12

General Listing of Projects

List each highway safety improvement project obligated during the reporting period. 

Project Improvement Category Outpu

t 

HSIP 

Cost

Total 

Cost

Fundi

ng 

Categ

ory

Function

al 

Classifica

tion

AAD

T

Spe

ed

Roadwa

y 

Owners

hip

Relationship to 

SHSP

Emphasis 

Area

Strate

gy

I-25 LINCOLN TO 

COUNTY LINE:

Roadway Roadway 

widening - add lane(s) 

along segment

2.1 

Miles

23891

84

39239

738

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Urban 

Principal 

Arterial -

Interstate

1650

00

0 State 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Roadway 

Departur

e

FEDERAL BLVD 

SIGNAL UPGRADES 

AT 54TH, 56TH, 

AND I-76

Intersection traffic 

control Modify traffic 

signal -

modernization/replace

ment

6 

Numb

ers

10000

00

14083

05

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Urban 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

3100

0

0 State 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Intersecti

ons

US 6 & SH 139 

Signal at Loma

Intersection traffic 

control Modify traffic 

signal -

modernization/replace

ment

1 

Numb

ers

13751

25

32020

03

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Rural 

Major 

Collector

2200 0 State 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Intersecti

ons

2010 Denver HES 5 

Signal upgrade 

Project

Intersection traffic 

control Modify traffic 

signal -

modernization/replace

5 

Numb

ers

12335

35

13705

94

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Various 

Facilities

3000

0

0 City of 

Municip

al 

Highwa

Intersecti

ons
2015 Colorado Highway Safety Improvement Program

13

ment y 

Agency

SH172-OXFORD 

INTERSECTION 

SAFETY IMPROV.

Intersection geometry 

Intersection geometrics 

-

miscellaneous/other/un

specified

1 

Numb

ers

20259

00

22510

00

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Rural 

Major 

Collector

6000 0 State 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Intersecti

ons

SH 82 Cedar Drive 

Improvements

Alignment Horizontal 

curve realignment

1 

Numb

ers

11698

93

12998

82

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Rural 

Minor 

Collector

172 0 City of 

Municip

al 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Roadway 

Departur

e

SH 133 Safety 

Improvements -

Carbondale

Intersection geometry 

Intersection geometry -

other

1 

Numb

ers

11700

00

79709

38

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Rural 

Minor 

Arterial

1700

0

0 State 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Intersecti

ons

I-25: US 36 TO 

120TH AVENUE 

(CDOT)

Advanced technology 

and ITS Congestion 

detection / traffic 

monitoring system

5.97 

Miles

85000

00

71907

290

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Urban 

Principal 

Arterial -

Interstate

1500

00

0 State 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Managed 

lanes, 

automate

d traffic 

manage

ment

US6 Bridges 

Design-Build

Roadway Roadway 

widening - travel lanes

1 

Miles

94962

76

72136

064

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

Urban 

Principal 

Arterial -

1360

00

0 State 

Highwa

y 

Lane 

Departur
2015 Colorado Highway Safety Improvement Program

14

148) Other 

Freeways 

and 

Expressw

ays

Agency e

I-76 CABLERAIL: 

BROMLEY TO 

LOCHBUIE

Roadside Barrier - cable 3 

Miles

52203

0

59881

9

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Interstate

1800

0

0 State 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Roadway 

Departur

e

Shields St: Drake 

to Davidson Dr. 

HES

Roadway Roadway -

other

0.2 

Miles

14490

0

16100

0

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Urban 

Major 

Collector

3000

0

0 City of 

Municip

al 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Intersecti

ons

US34 & Boyd Lake 

Ave.

Intersection traffic 

control Modify traffic 

signal - modify signal 

mounting (spanwire to 

mast arm)

1 

Numb

ers

44550

0

49500

0

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

4200

0

0 City of 

Municip

al 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Intersecti

ons

SIGNALS: 

SH88@Evans &

SH95@SH40

Intersection traffic 

control Modify traffic 

signal -

modernization/replace

ment

2 

Numb

ers

11475

00

12750

00

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Urban 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

3400

0

0 City of 

Municip

al 

Highwa

y 

Intersecti

ons
2015 Colorado Highway Safety Improvement Program

15

Agency

OPERATIONAL 

IMPROVEMENTS 

IN CENTENNIAL.

Intersection traffic 

control Modify traffic 

signal -

modernization/replace

ment

4 

Numb

ers

17688

2

19653

5

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Urban 

Major 

Collector

2000

0

0 City of 

Municip

al 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Intersecti

ons

88TH AVE &

COLORADO BLVDINTERSECTION IM

Intersection geometry 

Auxiliary lanes - add 

left-turn lane

1 

Numb

ers

15717

76

17464

18

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Urban 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

1400

0

0 City of 

Municip

al 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Intersecti

ons

14TH AVE & 

LAMAR ST 

ROUNDABOUT

Intersection traffic 

control Modify control -

two-way stop to 

roundabout

1 

Numb

ers

98576

1

10952

89

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Urban 

Minor 

Collector

3100 0 City of 

Municip

al 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Intersecti

ons

FEDERAL BLVD 

SAFETY/PED 

IMPROVEMENTS

Pedestrians and 

bicyclists Pedestrian 

signal - install new at 

intersection

8 

Numb

ers

23301

60

26306

33

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Urban 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

3600

0

0 State 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Pedestria

ns

SOUTH NEVADA 

AVENUE & I25 

Intersection geometry 

Intersection geometrics 

-

1 

Numb

36362

8

88573

1

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

Urban 

Principal 

Arterial -

3500

0

0 City of 

Municip

al 

Intersecti

ons
2015 Colorado Highway Safety Improvement Program

16

RAMPS miscellaneous/other/un

specified

ers 148) Other Highwa

y 

Agency

SH 82 & El Jebel 

Road Intersection 

Impr

Intersection geometry 

Intersection geometrics 

-

miscellaneous/other/un

specified

1 

Numb

ers

50400

1

56000

0

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Urban 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

2100

0

0 County 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Intersecti

ons

TELLER CR 1 HES 

IN CRIPPLE CREEK

Roadway Roadway -

other

0.4 

Miles

45975

2

51083

6

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Urban 

Local 

Road or 

Street

2000 0 Town or 

Townsh

ip 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Intersecti

ons

SH392 & WCR43 

Intersection 

Imprvts

Intersection traffic 

control Intersection 

signing - add enhanced 

regulatory sign (doubleup and/or oversize)

1 

Numb

ers

16082

8

20900

28

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

3800 0 State 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Intersecti

ons

EXIT RAMP 

OVERHEAD 

SIGNING

Roadway signs and 

traffic control Roadway 

signs and traffic control 

- other

0 

Numb

ers

15400

00

25573

84

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Interstate

0 0 State 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Intersecti

ons

TRAF.SIG 

@POTOMAC & 

Intersection traffic 

control Modify traffic 

signal - replace existing 

1 

Numb

68154 75727 HSIP 

(Secti

on 

Urban 

Minor 

0 0 City of 

Municip

al 

Intersecti

ons
2015 Colorado Highway Safety Improvement Program

17

BRIARWOOD indications 

(incandescent-to-LED 

and/or 8-to-12 inch dia.)

ers 148) Arterial Highwa

y 

Agency

FY14 SH12 SAFETY 

IMPROVEMENT 

PROJECT

Roadway Rumble strips 

- center

70.5 

Miles

16484

18

18632

99

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Rural 

Major 

Collector

1600 0 State 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Roadway 

Departur

e

SH21-

ACCEL/DECEL 

LANES MP 141.7-

148.7

Intersection geometry 

Auxiliary lanes - extend 

acceleration/deceleratio

n lane

2 

Miles

38524

48

45959

89

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Urban 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other 

Freeways 

and 

Expressw

ays

5300

0

0 State 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Intersecti

ons

POWERS BLVD. 

AUXILIARY LANE 

(Part II)

Intersection geometry 

Auxiliary lanes - extend 

acceleration/deceleratio

n lane

2 

Miles

35429

20

39616

04

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Urban 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other 

Freeways 

and 

Expressw

ays

5300

0

0 State 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Intersecti

ons

US285 D SAFETY 

IMPROVEMENT

Advanced technology 

and ITS Dynamic 

message signs

38.98 

Miles

98264

0

11904

56

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

3900 0 State 

Highwa

y 

Roadway 

Departur

e
2015 Colorado Highway Safety Improvement Program

18

148) Other Agency

ROUNDABOUT AT 

PURCELL AND 

PLATTEVILLE

Intersection traffic 

control Modify control -

all-way stop to 

roundabout

1 

Numb

ers

86850

0

96500

0

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Rural 

Major 

Collector

0 0 City of 

Municip

al 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Intersecti

ons

SH165A SAFETY 

IMPROVEMENTS

Roadway Rumble strips 

- edge or shoulder

8.3 

Miles

84861

4

96207

4

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Rural 

Major 

Collector

3600 0 State 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Roadway 

Departur

e

SH391:SIGNAL 

RECON 

KENTUCKY/DART

MOUTH

Intersection traffic 

control Modify traffic 

signal -

modernization/replace

ment

2 

Numb

ers

51300

0

57000

0

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Urban 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

4000

0

0 City of 

Municip

al 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Intersecti

ons

FY14 Denver 

Traffic Signals

Intersection traffic 

control Modify traffic 

signal -

modernization/replace

ment

8 

Numb

ers

10943

1

15434

0

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Urban 

Minor 

Arterial

0 0 City of 

Municip

al 

Highwa

y 

Agency

SH 151 CR 521 

INTERSECTION 

Intersection geometry 

Auxiliary lanes -

miscellaneous/other/un

1 

Numb

65792

8

10473

06

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

Rural 

Major 

3300 0 State 

Highwa

y 

Intersecti

ons
2015 Colorado Highway Safety Improvement Program

19

IMPROVEMENTS specified ers 148) Collector Agency

Signal IMP @SH88 

Hampden/I-70 

@Chambers

Intersection traffic 

control Modify traffic 

signal -

modernization/replace

ment

2 

Numb

ers

71466

2

81477

6

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Urban 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

2400

0

0 State 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Intersecti

ons

SAFETY 

ASSESSMENTS BY 

STOLFUS

Non-infrastructure 

Road safety audits

0 

Numb

ers

28397

7

31553

0

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

0 0 State 

Highwa

y 

Agency

I-25 GAP LANE 

BALANCE (VHEIS)

Roadway Roadway 

widening - add lane(s) 

along segment

1.3 

Miles

49500

0

55000

0

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Urban 

Principal 

Arterial -

Interstate

2200

00

0 State 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Lane 

Departur

e

TRAFFIC SAFETY 

DATA 

IMPROVEMENT 

PROJECT

Non-infrastructure 

Data/traffic records

0 

Numb

ers

32373

0

35970

0

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

0 0 State 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Data

US34 & WCR49 

Intersection 

Improvements

Intersection geometry 

Intersection geometry -

other

1 

Numb

ers

13853

35

18750

00

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

1000

0

0 County 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Intersecti

ons

INTERSECTIONS 

FOR CRASH 

REDUCTION

Non-infrastructure 

Data/traffic records

1 

Numb

25536 28373 HSIP 

(Secti

on 

0 0 State 

Highwa

y 

Data
2015 Colorado Highway Safety Improvement Program

20

ers 148) Agency

Adaptive Signals 

SH 119

Intersection traffic 

control Intersection 

traffic control - other

2 

Numb

ers

15120

01

16800

00

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Urban 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other 

Freeways 

and 

Expressw

ays

2500

0

0 State 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Intersecti

ons

I-70 Exit 49 East 

Resurfacing

Roadside Barrier - other 10.6 

Miles

36000

00

11025

000

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Interstate

1300

0

0 State 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Roadway 

Departur

e

I-25 AND I-70 

PAVEMENT 

MARKINGS

Roadway delineation 

Longitudinal pavement 

markings - remarking

0 68223

74

77117

24

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Urban 

Principal 

Arterial -

Interstate

0 0 State 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Lane 

Departur

e

I-70 EB PPSL 

CONSTRUCTION 

PACKAGE 3

Roadway signs and 

traffic control Roadway 

signs (including post) -

new or updated

13 

Miles

60000

0

22153

674

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Interstate

4500

0

0 State 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Crash 

reduction 

during 

peak 

periods.

MULLER SAFETY 

ASSESSMENT FY15

Non-infrastructure 

Road safety audits

0 

Numb

ers

89978 99976 HSIP 

(Secti

on 

0 0 State 

Highwa

y 
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148) Agency

SH 14 Poudre 

Canyon Guardrail 

Safety

Roadside Barrier- metal 14 

Miles

10440

0

11600

0

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Rural 

Minor 

Arterial

1500 0 State 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Roadway 

Departur

e

US 160 W. 

WILDLIFE 

CROSSING AT DRY 

CREEK

Animal-related 1 

Numb

ers

62433

47

70684

74

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Rural 

Minor 

Arterial

0 0 State 

Highwa

y 

Agency

LAKEWOOD FY15 

TRAFFIC SIGNALS 

PROJECT

Intersection traffic 

control Modify traffic 

signal -

modernization/replace

ment

8 

Numb

ers

11470

95

12945

00

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Various 

locations

0 0 City of 

Municip

al 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Intersecti

ons

I-70:C470 TO 

32ND CABLE RAIL -

Roadside Barrier - cable 4.5 

Miles

15728

80

17449

44

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Interstate

9000

0

0 State 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Roadway 

Departur

e

US285/S ELK 

CREEK RD SAFETY 

PROJECT

Roadside Barrier -

concrete

0.25 

Miles

75744

7

88717

4

HSIP 

(Secti

on 

148)

Rural 

Principal 

Arterial -

Other

1400

0

0 State 

Highwa

y 

Agency

Roadway 

Departur

e

TRAFFIC RECORDS 

TEMP CODERS

Non-infrastructure 0 27027 30030 HSIP 

(Secti

0 0 State 

Highwa

Data
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Data/traffic records 0 0 on 

148)

y 

Agency
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Progress in Achieving Safety Performance Targets

Overview of General Safety Trends

Present data showing the general highway safety trends in the state for the past five years. 

Performance Measures* 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Number of fatalities 510.8 493.2 477 463.6 468

Number of serious injuries 3649.6 3438 3300 3226.6 3190

Fatality rate (per HMVMT) 1.07 1.04 1.02 0.99 1

Serious injury rate (per 

HMVMT)

7.648 7.27 7.046 6.914 6.758

*Performance measure data is presented using a five-year rolling average.
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To the maximum extent possible, present performance measure* data by functional classification and ownership. 

Year - 2014

Function 

Classification

Number of fatalities Number of serious injuries Fatality rate (per HMVMT) Serious injury rate (per HMVMT)

RURAL PRINCIPAL 

ARTERIAL - INTERSTATE

44.2 0 0 0

RURAL PRINCIPAL 

ARTERIAL - OTHER 

FREEWAYS AND 

EXPRESSWAYS

0 0 0 0

RURAL PRINCIPAL 

ARTERIAL - OTHER

70.8 0 0 0

RURAL MINOR 

ARTERIAL

45.8 0 0 0

RURAL MINOR 

COLLECTOR

13.2 0 0 0

RURAL MAJOR 

COLLECTOR

36.4 0 0 0

RURAL LOCAL ROAD OR 

STREET

24.6 0 0 0

URBAN PRINCIPAL 32.8 0 0 0
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ARTERIAL - INTERSTATE

URBAN PRINCIPAL 

ARTERIAL - OTHER 

FREEWAYS AND 

EXPRESSWAYS

14.8 0 0 0

URBAN PRINCIPAL 

ARTERIAL - OTHER

101.4 0 0 0

URBAN MINOR 

ARTERIAL

44.8 0 0 0

URBAN MINOR 

COLLECTOR

0 0 0 0

URBAN MAJOR 

COLLECTOR

17.6 0 0 0

URBAN LOCAL ROAD 

OR STREET

20.8 0 0 0
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Year - 2014

Roadway Ownership Number of 

fatalities

Number of serious 

injuries

Fatality rate (per 

HMVMT)

Serious injury rate (per 

HMVMT)

STATE HIGHWAY AGENCY 284.8 0 0 0

COUNTY HIGHWAY AGENCY 82.4 0 0 0

TOWN OR TOWNSHIP HIGHWAY AGENCY 2.2 0 0 0

CITY OF MUNICIPAL HIGHWAY AGENCY 94.8 0 0 0

STATE PARK, FOREST, OR RESERVATION AGENCY 0 0 0 0

LOCAL PARK, FOREST OR RESERVATION AGENCY 0 0 0 0

OTHER STATE AGENCY 0 0 0 0

OTHER LOCAL AGENCY 3 0 0 0

PRIVATE (OTHER THAN RAILROAD) 0 0 0 0

RAILROAD 0 0 0 0

STATE TOLL AUTHORITY 0 0 0 0

LOCAL TOLL AUTHORITY 0 0 0 0

OTHER PUBLIC INSTRUMENTALITY (E.G. AIRPORT, 

SCHOOL, UNIVERSITY)

0 0 0 0

INDIAN TRIBE NATION 0 0 0 0
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Describe any other aspects of the general highway safety trends on which you would like to elaborate.

The number of highway fatalities remained generally stable during recent reporting periods with a total 

fatality count of well below 500 during this reporting period. With an expected VMT escalation 

accompanying economic improvement and significant growth in state population, the fatality rate is 

expected to decrease. As a result of FHWA's ongoing safety improvement focus and funding to the 

states for infrastructure and programmatic safety improvement measures, Colorado should continue to 

experience improving safety and favorable trends in the future.

Application of Special Rules

Present the rate of traffic fatalities and serious injuries per capita for drivers and pedestrians over the 

age of 65. 

Older Driver

Performance Measures

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Fatality rate (per 

capita)

0.51 0.516 0.51 0.496 0.48

Serious injury rate 

(per capita)

1.904 1.868 1.798 1.816 1.864

Fatality and serious 

injury rate (per capita)

2.416 2.384 2.308 2.31 2.344

*Performance measure data is presented using a five-year rolling average.

65 and Older Drivers or Pedestrians by Year:

2014 = 52 FAT, 228 INJ, 126 CAPITA

2013 = 63 FAT, 250 INJ, 123 CAPITA

2012 = 52 FAT, 242 INJ, 118 CAPITA

2011 = 47 FAT, 202 INJ, 112 CAPITA

2010 = 52 FAT, 178 INJ, 109 CAPITA

2009 = 57 FAT, 190 INJ, 106 CAPITA

2008 = 62 FAT, 188 INJ, 104 CAPITA

2007 = 52 FAT, 198 INJ, 101 CAPITA

2006 = 45 FAT, 215 INJ, 100 CAPITA

2005 = 44 FAT, 176 INJ, 97 CAPITA

2009 Rate Example Equation:
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2009 Fatality Rate (five year rolling average) = ((2009 FAT/2009 CAPITA)+(2008 FAT/2008 CAPITA)+(2007 

FAT/2007 CAPITA)+(2006 FAT/2006 CAPITA)+(2005 FAT/2005 CAPITA))/5

2009 Serious Injury Rate (five year rolling average) = ((2009 INJ/2009 CAPITA)+(2008 INJ/2008 

CAPITA)+(2007 INJ/2007 CAPITA)+(2006 INJ/2006 CAPITA)+(2005 INJ/2005 CAPITA))/5

2009 Fatality and Serious Injury Rate (five year rolling average) = 2009 Fatality Rate (five year rolling 

average)+2009 Serious Injury Rate (five year rolling average)
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Does the older driver special rule apply to your state? 

No
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Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Improvements (Program 

Evaluation)

What indicators of success can you use to demonstrate effectiveness and success in the Highway 

Safety Improvement Program?

None

Benefit/cost

Policy change

Other: Other-Long-term decreasing trend in fatalities & serious injuries.

What significant programmatic changes have occurred since the last reporting period? 

Shift Focus to Fatalities and Serious Injuries

Include Local Roads in Highway Safety Improvement Program

Organizational Changes

None

Other: 

Briefly describe significant program changes that have occurred since the last reporting period. 

Program has started employing new cash management procedures which allows advanced funding for 

projects. This will help fund more safety improvement projects simultaneously and increase obligation 
2015 Colorado Highway Safety Improvement Program

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rates. A newly updated SHSP has been published in 2015 which will provide detailed analysis of safety 

performance measures and focus on additional emphasis areas in order to provide guidance on how to 

reduce severe crashes across the state in order to support the vision of moving towards zero deaths.
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SHSP Emphasis Areas

For each SHSP emphasis area that relates to the HSIP, present trends in emphasis area performance measures. 

Year - 2014

HSIP-related SHSP 

Emphasis Areas

Target Crash Type Number of 

fatalities

Number of 

serious 

injuries

Fatality rate 

(per HMVMT)

Serious injury 

rate (per 

HMVMT)

Other1Other2Other3

Lane Departure Sideswipe 7.2 80.8 0.02 0.17 0 0 0

Roadway 

Departure

Run-off-road 201.4 953.6 0.43 2.02 0 0 0

Intersections Intersections 117.6 1387.4 0.25 2.94 0 0 0

Pedestrians Vehicle/pedestrian 56.8 278.4 0.12 0.59 0 0 0

Bicyclists Vehicle/bicycle 10.2 141.4 0.02 0.3 0 0 0

Older Drivers Drivers 65 and over 53.2 220 0.11 0.47 0 0 0

Motorcyclists Involving a motorcycle 84.2 533.2 0.18 1.13 0 0 0

Work Zones Occurring in a 

construction or work 

zone

9.8 38.8 0.02 0.08 0 0 0
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Groups of similar project types

Present the overall effectiveness of groups of similar types of projects.

Year - 2014

HSIP Subprogram TypesTarget 

Crash Type

Number of 

fatalities

Number of 

serious injuries

Fatality rate (per 

HMVMT)

Serious injury rate 

(per HMVMT)

Other1Other2Other3

Other-General Night-time 194.2 995.2 0.41 2.11 0 0 0
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Systemic Treatments

Present the overall effectiveness of systemic treatments.

Systemic 

improvement

Target 

Crash Type

Number of 

fatalities

Number of 

serious injuries

Fatality rate (per 

HMVMT)

Serious injury rate 

(per HMVMT)

Other1Other2Other3
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Describe any other aspects of the overall Highway Safety Improvement Program effectiveness on 

which you would like to elaborate. 

HSIP funding has helped Colorado see a major decreasing trend in all crash types over the last ten years, 

not just serious injuries and fatalities. With the help of sustained funding and a renewed focus provided 

by an updated SHSP, it is the goal of CDOT to facilitate the continuation of these downward trends in 

Colorado.
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Project Evaluation

Provide project evaluation data for completed projects (optional). 

Location Functional 

Class

Improvement 

Category

Improvement 

Type

BefFatalBefSerious 

Injury

Bef-All 

Injuries

BefPDOBefTotalAftFatalAftSerious 

Injury

Aft-All 

Injuries

AftPDOAftTotalEvaluation 

Results 

(Benefit/ 

Cost Ratio)

I-76: 

Sheridan 

to I-25

Urban 

Principal 

Arterial -

Interstate

Roadside Barrier - cable 3 122 230 355 0 92 256 348 6.16
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Optional Attachments

Sections Files Attached
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Glossary

5 year rolling average means the average of five individual, consecutive annual points of data (e.g. 

annual fatality rate).

Emphasis area means a highway safety priority in a State’s SHSP, identified through a data-driven, 

collaborative process. 

Highway safety improvement project means strategies, activities and projects on a public road that are 

consistent with a State strategic highway safety plan and corrects or improves a hazardous road location 

or feature or addresses a highway safety problem. 

HMVMT means hundred million vehicle miles traveled.

Non-infrastructure projects are projects that do not result in construction. Examples of noninfrastructure projects include road safety audits, transportation safety planning activities, 

improvements in the collection and analysis of data, education and outreach, and enforcement 

activities.

Older driver special rule applies if traffic fatalities and serious injuries per capita for drivers and 

pedestrians over the age of 65 in a State increases during the most recent 2-year period for which data 

are available, as defined in the Older Driver and Pedestrian Special Rule Interim Guidance dated 

February 13, 2013. 

Performance measure means indicators that enable decision-makers and other stakeholders to monitor 

changes in system condition and performance against established visions, goals, and objectives.

Programmed funds mean those funds that have been programmed in the Statewide Transportation 

Improvement Program (STIP) to be expended on highway safety improvement projects.

Roadway Functional Classification means the process by which streets and highways are grouped into 

classes, or systems, according to the character of service they are intended to provide.

Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) means a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary plan, based on safety 

data developed by a State Department of Transportation in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 148. 

Systemic safety improvement means an improvement that is widely implemented based on high risk 

roadway features that are correlated with specific severe crash types. 

Transfer means, in accordance with provisions of 23 U.S.C. 126, a State may transfer from an 

apportionment under section 104(b) not to exceed 50 percent of the amount apportioned for the fiscal 

year to any other apportionment of the State under that section.