Colorado Department of Transportation

Vision To enhance the quality of life and the environment of the citizens of Colorado by creating an integrated transportation system that focuses on safely moving people and goods by offering convenient linkages among modal choices. Mission To provide the best multi-modal transportation system for Colorado that most effectively and safely moves people, goods, and information. Values Safety We work together to achieve a high performing safety culture! We promote and apply consistent, sustainable, and safe work behaviors in everything we do. We foster a safety-focused environment, which is free of discrimination and harassment. People We value our employees and the people of Colorado! We recognize the skills and abilities of our coworkers and communities and draw strength from our diversity and commitment to equal opportunity. We advocate for an organizational culture where employees are empowered and encouraged to participate in providing the best transportation systems for Colorado. We understand that our success depends on teamwork and collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, including government, industry partners, and the communities we are accountable to and serve. Integrity We earn Colorado’s trust! We are honest and responsible in all that we do and hold ourselves to the highest moral and ethical standards. We work to build trust and accountability with all of our collaborations to get the work done. We are intentionally transparent, inclusive, and collaborative as transportation strategies and organizational policies are formed. Customer Service We strive to provide the highest level of customer satisfaction and experience! With a can-do attitude, we work together and with others to respond effectively to our internal and external customer needs. We engage diverse voices in public processes to honor the cultural and environmental integrity of Colorado communities and to better provide access to the full range of transportation resources available. We support our co-workers by recognizing and encouraging their contributions to the workplace. Excellence Accountability We are committed to quality! We leverage diversity to bring different ideas, experiences, and perspectives to further excellence in everything we do. We are transparent and inclusive leaders - and we hold ourselves to a high level of accountability. We continuously improve our products, services, and practices of financial, social, and environmental stewardship in our commitment to provide the best transportation systems for Colorado. Respect We treat everyone with respect! We are kind and civil with everyone, and we act with courage, humility, and accountability. **HISTORY** 1909: The first highway bill was passed by forming a three-member Highway Commission to approve work and allocate funds. The Commission first took their post on January 1, 1910. 1917: The State Highway Fund was created and a State Highway Department (CDOH - Colorado Department of Highways) was formed. 1935: Highway Department employees were joined by 44 new co-workers selected from among 7,500 applicants to become the first members of the Colorado State Highway Courtesy Patrol. The Patrol became a division of the Highway Department. 1947: The first National System of Interstate and Defense Highways was approved by the federal works administrator. In Colorado, approved routes included all of I-25 from the Wyoming border to Raton Pass; all of I-80S (now I-76); and I-70 from Denver to the Kansas border. 1953: The state legislature passed a new law reorganizing the Highway Department and renaming it the Colorado Department of Highways. 1956: Congress passed the Federal Interstate Highways Act. Among the approvals was the section of I-70 from Denver to the Utah border. 1991: CDOH became Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) 2010: CDOT celebrates its 100-year anniversary