Our impact
C70 Highway, Colorado, USA (Central 70)
Background
This DBFOM project consists of upgrading a 10-mile stretch of the interstate highway 70 in Denver, Colorado, to accommodate managed lanes and to improve urban integration.
The Asset added one new Express Lane in each direction, removed an aging 53- year-old viaduct, lowered the interstate between Brighton and Colorado boulevards(1.4 mile, 2.25km), and placed a 4-acre park over a portion of the lowered interstate by Swansea Elementary School. With construction completed, the Central 70 Project will reduce congestion, improve safety, and better accommodate future growth along this vital transportation corridor.
The consortium combines strong local companies with global organizations experienced in construction and operation of large infrastructure projects.
Stage:
In Operations
ESG/SDG Key Facts
The Central 70 project includes several workforce and small business goals, which are part of a ground-breaking new program being implemented at only a few projects in the US. The program consists of extensive monitoring, documentation and tracking protocol with USDOT oversight, meeting local and State department guidelines. Following the obtainment of substantial completion in 2023, the on-the-job training for renewal work and small business goals were re-established as required every 5 years for O&M.
The project company continues its long-standing relationship with a local non-profit food recovery operation to provide free, high quality, fresh food by volunteering at Mobile Food Markets and other opportunities; over 7 million meals were served in 2023 and 100 volunteer hours were performed within the community. Food needs remain high in Denver while the Project Company continues to address those needs in various ways. An ongoing relationship remains consistent with a local scholarship organization, aligning Central 70 with required educational support commitments, resulting in the establishment of a scholarship fund for local high school students.
The O&M Contractor is testing an EV as one of their courtesy patrol vehicles, as a part of pilot program that could be expanded across its other projects across the country.
SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)
The project company is promoting the use of clean energy with 44% renewable(1) and more than 42% carbon free energy for all of its power consumption use and has a target goal of 80% by the year 2030. Central 70 has a “no idling” policy for all its fleet vehicles. The O&M fleet is powered by propane. The
project company’s energy provider won the 2020 Climate Leadership Award for its significant carbon reductions and support of community clean energy goals(2). The project company has also engaged Carbometrix to develop a carbon reduction management plan.
SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
Central 70 is very involved with its community by volunteering and through donations. In April 2023, the project company established a named scholarship fund for Denver youth through a partnership with the Denver Scholarship Foundation. The fund will provide 10 scholarships each spring and fall semester for the long-term benefit of local students who pursue post-secondary education. To date 26 scholarships have been awarded through this program.
Sources: (1) https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/energy-portfolio/power-generation/certified-renewable-percentage
