DENVER — More than 130 traffic cameras along Colorado's highways were removed this summer, but the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is working on a solution.
After Denver7 began hearing from residents about the missing cameras, we reached out to CDOT to learn more about how this issue came about and how the department plans to fix it.
Charles Marsh, CDOT's northwest regional communications manager, responded to us. In addition to parts of the eastern plains, northwest Colorado is where many cameras are missing.
Marsh explained that CDOT's contract for operating 136 traffic cameras expired in July 2025, and they have been looking for a new way to restore the cameras.
"We issued a request for bids to renew the services, but only two companies responded — both with costs that were high and not fiscally responsible," he said. "As a result, the 136 camera feeds were discontinued and corresponding icons were removed from the COtrip Planner App and COtrip.org."
So, what happens now?
CDOT is planning on building and operating its own permanent, state-owned camera system — a process that is already underway, Marsh told Denver7.
"Unfortunately, due to budget and infrastructure limitations, we are only able to replace 66 of the original 136 cameras. The construction and operations of these new cameras will take time," he said.
Those 66 cameras will go up at prioritized locations beginning this September, with consideration given to traffic volume, weather conditions and availability of supporting infrastructure, like fiber or cell coverage, Marsh said.
"For example, the areas along CO 14 previously served by two cameras lack both fiber and cellular connectivity, making them ineligible for replacement at this time," he said.
One resident contacted Denver7 to ask how the cameras there had been working previously.
"These are (or were) vital cameras near Cameron Pass, especially people who commute or work, using this major highway," the person wrote to Denver7. "There WERE cameras there, so in theory there's 'some' form of connectivity. Driving in the mountains can be dangerous, especially in the winter, and these cameras help us to know before we go. Because there isn't cellular up there, if something happens, there's just no way to communicate. At least before, the CSP or whoever, could check it every so often."
We brought this question to CDOT, which said the cameras that went offline near Cameron Pass and other mountain corridors were third-party devices and not owned by CDOT.
"The vendor failed to meet its service-level agreements and is under financial penalties due to poor performance," said Stacia Sellers with CDOT. "Without fiber or reliable cellular coverage, we currently cannot maintain cameras in those remote areas. We recognize the importance of having cameras in these remote mountain corridors, especially in winter. However, where there is no cell service, there is no way to transmit camera data, which is the same challenge that drivers themselves face when they need to call for help."
"... We appreciate the feedback from residents and understand the frustration, especially for those traveling in rural areas," she continued. "We will continue to pursue opportunities to restore or add coverage in places like Cameron Pass as connectivity and funding allow."
"Full completion" of the camera installations is expected by the fall of 2027, Marsh said, adding that travelers should expect a gap in camera coverage until then.
However, they can still check conditions on COtrip.org by using the Road Conditions layer.
Visitors who now go to COtrip.org will see a message about these cameras.
To find the Road Conditions layer on the map, go to COTrip.org, find the map, and locate the layers menu on the right side.
There, you can explore road conditions as well as traffic speeds, weather radar, weather alerts, construction, chain/traction law, mile points and more.
Sellers said CDOT will focus on corridors with the highest average daily traffic volumes when deciding where cameras will go.
CDOT also announced on Tuesday that new traffic cameras would go up along Highway 66 in Larimer County and Highway 36 between Lyons and Estes Park. This project will continue through December 2026 on weekdays. Click here for updates on it.
Denver7 asked if those new cameras were part of the 66 that CDOT plans to replace starting this month. They said no, and that those have been in planning for about three years.
"The goal has always been to establish a reliable fiber backbone along Highway 66 up to US 36 so that we could support permanent, reliable cameras in that corridor," Sellers said. "This is a separate project from the current replacement of 138 legacy cameras statewide."
CDOT's contractor for the Highway 66 and 36 project will begin installing fiber optic cables from I-25 to Lyons to support the Highway 36 cameras, CDOT said. After that, crews will begin installing the cameras on Highway 36.
“CDOT cameras help get first responders to the scene faster since they are monitored by our Operation Centers 24 hours a day," said CDOT Regional Transportation Director Heather Paddock in a press release. "The cameras also assist the public and our plows to understand road conditions before going out. Having the cameras along US 36 will be greatly beneficial as the canyon corridor has experienced flood, fire, strong winds and heavy snow over the years."
In the same press release, CDOT wrote: "Information Technology Systems are a critical part of keeping the traveling public safe. Studies have shown that traffic cameras help to encourage safer driving behavior."
