Last week, the Town of Norwood announced it had been awarded $1,250,000 in funding through the Colorado Department of Transportation's Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). Town Manager Sara Owens said the funds are for critical safety upgrades along Highway 145, specifically the Norwood Hill corridor.
The project, titled Norwood Hill Corridor Safety Improvements, was selected through a competitive statewide process evaluating safety needs, crash history, cost-effectiveness and readiness. The award includes $1,125,000 in federal funding and a $125,000 state match, resulting in no local match requirement for the Town of Norwood.
“This is a significant investment in the safety of our community and everyone who travels Norwood Hill,” a press release issued April 30 said. “This corridor is a vital connection for residents, commuters and visitors, and these improvements will help reduce risks and prevent future accidents.”
The Norwood Hill corridor has long been identified as a high-priority safety concern due to its steep grade, sharp curves, limited shoulders and history of accidents. The planned improvements are expected to address key risk factors and enhance overall roadway safety for all users.
The HSIP prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable safety benefits, particularly in rural areas and on high-risk roadways. Norwood's project met or exceeded criteria including crash pattern mitigation, benefit-to-cost ratio and project delivery capability.
Going forward, the town will coordinate with CDOT’s Region 5 to initiate the project, including design and pre-construction activities. Funding may be advanced ahead of the 2029 fiscal year timeline, if the project is ready to move forward sooner.
“This funding allows us to take meaningful steps toward making Norwood Hill safer,” the press release said. “We appreciate CDOT's partnership and commitment to improving transportation safety in rural Colorado.”
The Forum asked Owens about when the work would start, what the work would entail and if the bridge at the bottom of the hill would be involved. She told the Forum she didn’t have a start date. She added the work would focus on guardrail improvements.
Norwood Hill is a site that is infamous for accidents. The Forum contacted Norwood Fire Chief John Bockrath about his reaction to the funding and forthcoming improvements. He said he was not involved in the grant process at all and credited the town for the grant application and receiving the state funds.
He said he’s done data tracking, and 40% of Norwood’s accidents are either on Norwood Hill or in the San Miguel Canyon below it. He’s expressed concerns for the construction and workforce travel that the West End will soon be faced with due to the Four Seasons project and Norwood’s new school.
“I am definitely pleased with anything that improves transportation in that area,” he said. “The majority of our accidents are there, or in the canyon … Anything that improves safety and visibility for our locals and visitors, I am all for that.”
For more information or with questions about the project or the HSIP program, citizens are asked to contact the Town of Norwood.
