The 970's Main Street Is Getting a Complete Overhaul
I-25 North — the spine connecting Fort Collins, Loveland, Berthoud, Johnstown, and Windsor to Denver — has been under construction for years. As of early 2026, the project is entering its most consequential phase for everyday commuters: the 14-mile Express Lane section north of Berthoud goes to paid tolls on April 7, 2026, and construction on the remaining 6-mile "Gap" between Mead and Berthoud is now in full swing.
Here's what the expansion actually means — for your commute, your wallet, and the value of property along the corridor.
Segment 5: The "Missing Link" (Mead to Berthoud)
The last unfinished piece of the I-25 North expansion is Segment 5 — the 6-mile stretch from CO 66 in Mead to just south of CO 56 in Berthoud. This is currently the corridor's primary bottleneck.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Project cost | $415 million |
| Construction start | May 12, 2024 |
| Current phase | Heavy earth-moving and bridge foundation work |
| Major component | Full reconstruction of I-25 / Weld County Road 34 interchange + aging bridges |
| Projected completion | 2028 |
| 2026 disruption | Major traffic "switch" later this year as lanes shift to new pavement footprint |
When Segment 5 finishes, the result is a continuous 3-lane interstate — including Express Lanes — from Fort Collins to Denver. That's the 2028 vision. We're in the hard middle of getting there.
Tolling Goes Live: April 7, 2026
The 14-mile completed section between Berthoud and Fort Collins (mile markers 250–269) has been operating toll-free since late 2023 while CDOT calibrated the system. That testing phase ends April 7, 2026.
The Safety and Toll Enforcement Program (STEP) is already active. Cameras identify "weaving" — crossing solid white lines to enter or exit Express Lanes outside designated access points — which carries significant civil penalties. This isn't a suggestion; the enforcement infrastructure is in place and running.
Speed cameras in the Gap: As of April 2, 2026, automated cameras in the Mead-to-Berthoud construction zone issue $75 fines for exceeding 65 mph by 10 mph or more. Plan accordingly.
The Mobility Hub Innovation
This expansion isn't just more lanes — it includes a new approach to regional transit. The Berthoud (CO 56) and Centerra/Loveland (US 34) Mobility Hubs are center-loading transit stations built between the northbound and southbound lanes.
Bustang and regional bus routes use dedicated slip-ramps to access the Express Lanes directly, bypassing standard on-ramp metering and local congestion entirely. For commuters connecting to Fort Collins or Denver without driving, this is a meaningful upgrade over what existed before.
What This Means for Property Values Along the Corridor
The transformation of I-25 from a two-lane chokepoint to a managed Express Lane corridor is the single largest shift in commute dynamics Northern Colorado has seen in decades. 90,000 vehicles per day move through the Loveland/Berthoud stretch — a volume that would have paralyzed the old configuration.
The practical effect on real estate: towns that were previously at the edge of practical daily commute range are now inside it. Mead, Johnstown, and Berthoud are seeing stronger buyer demand as the Express Lanes create consistent, predictable trip times to both the Fort Collins tech and healthcare sectors and downtown Denver.
The improved logistics near the Highway 60 and Highway 392 interchanges have also attracted large distribution centers — adding employment that supports residential demand independent of the commuter market. These towns are no longer bedroom communities waiting for infrastructure. The infrastructure is arriving.
If you're evaluating a home in Mead, Johnstown, Berthoud, or Windsor, ask about the specific interchange access and whether the property sits inside or outside the Express Lane entry points. That detail alone can affect your daily commute by 10–15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I-25 North Express Lane tolls start?
April 7, 2026. The 14-mile section between Berthoud and Fort Collins (mile markers 250–269) has been in a toll-free testing phase since late 2023. CDOT used that window to calibrate the overhead cameras, transponder readers, and the Safety and Toll Enforcement Program (STEP) across Front Range weather conditions. Tolling goes live April 7.
What is the I-25 'Gap' and when does it finish?
The 'Gap' refers to Segment 5 — the 6-mile stretch from CO 66 in Mead to just south of CO 56 in Berthoud. This $415 million project broke ground May 12, 2024 and includes full reconstruction of the I-25/Weld County Road 34 interchange and several aging bridges. Projected completion: 2028. When it's done, there will be a continuous 3-lane interstate — including Express Lanes — from Fort Collins to Denver.
What is STEP and what are the penalties for Express Lane violations?
STEP stands for Safety and Toll Enforcement Program. Cameras are active along the Express Lane section to detect 'weaving' — crossing the solid white lines to enter or exit the lanes outside of designated access points. This carries significant civil penalties. You must use a transponder or pay by license plate. Weaving to avoid the toll is not a workaround.
Are there speed cameras in the construction zone?
Yes. As of April 2, 2026, automated speed cameras in the Mead-to-Berthoud construction zone issue $75 fines for exceeding 65 mph by 10 mph or more. The zone is active during construction hours and the cameras are not marked with advance warning signs.
What is the Mobility Hub at Berthoud and Centerra?
The Berthoud (CO 56) and Centerra/Loveland (US 34) Mobility Hubs are transit stations built between the northbound and southbound lanes — center-loading platforms designed for Bustang and regional bus service. Buses enter and exit via dedicated slip-ramps directly into the Express Lanes, bypassing standard on-ramp metering and local congestion. This is a significant upgrade for commuters who connect to Fort Collins or Denver.
How many vehicles use this stretch of I-25 daily?
CDOT tracks approximately 90,000 vehicles daily through the Loveland/Berthoud corridor. That volume would have completely paralyzed the original two-lane configuration. The Express Lane system is designed specifically to manage that load while keeping consistent travel times.
How does the I-25 expansion affect property values in Mead, Johnstown, and Berthoud?
Significantly. The Express Lanes create a reliable, consistent commute time to both Fort Collins and Denver — what you might call a 'commuter's dividend' for towns that previously sat outside practical daily commute range. Mead, Johnstown, and Berthoud are all seeing stronger buyer demand as a result. The improved logistics near the Highway 60 and Highway 392 interchanges have also attracted large distribution centers, adding jobs that support residential demand.