The Colorado Transportation Commission has approved funding to expand I-25 to six lanes between Fort Collins and Longmont.

We know, we know, you're sick of sitting in traffic. So are we. And it seems like CDOT and the state of Colorado have heard our cries. Plans to expand I-25 to three lanes on each side have been approved and were given a $200 million boost last Thursday, October 19. The Colorado Transportation Commission approved provisional funding, matching a federal grant, in aims to expand I-25 to six lanes between Colorado Highway 402 in Loveland and Colorado Highway 56 in Berthoud.

According to a release by CDOT, the organization is scheduled to begin work between Fort Collins and Loveland in the coming months. The complete expansion is expected to cost more than $1.5 billion. **Opinion Time** I know what you're thinking -- since so many of you can't just be happy about some things -- It's a lot of money and a lot of time, and yes, this will likely result in more traffic as construction goes on. But you should remember... Colorado is growing, and it will continue to grow. There is absolutely nothing we can do about that. It is far better to briefly suffer some construction traffic as they widen roads than to continuously suffer day in and day out as the Colorado community continues to increase. Traffic is inevitable; wider roads will help alleviate this. So relax, maybe find some alternate routes when construction starts, and just know that it's all for the best in the long run. Or better yet, start car pooling and do your part to reduce the amount of cars on the road overall! **End Opinion**

I'm sure you're also curious where this money is coming from. The state funding to match the federal grant was created this year in the Colorado legislature, when lawmakers passed a bill to generate $1.8 billion for transportation over the next two decades.

Every dollar into the North I-25 corridor achieves our ultimate objective of seeing three complete lanes in both directions of North I-25 by 2025... We are thrilled that CDOT and the Transportation Commission continues to place the North I-25 project as one of its top priorities for funding by making a commitment to match the critical INFRA grand application." -- Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, David May, written statement

This writer's opinion aside, what do you think about the I-25 road expansion? We want to hear what you think in the comments below!

Featured image courtesy of shutterstock.