After months of disruption, detours, and dust, one of Clifton’s busiest corridors is about to enter its final act.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced that construction on U.S. Highway 6 — locally known as F Road — will shift into its final phase starting Monday, June 2. The sweeping infrastructure project, which has tested the patience of drivers and business owners alike, is slated to wrap by spring 2026.

A Corridor Reinvented

Once complete, the project will deliver a major overhaul to a stretch of U.S. 6 between 1st Street and 5th Street, a key artery in Clifton’s transportation grid.

The final phase will include:

• Completion of a second roundabout at 5th Street

• Installation of center medians

• Addition of a new travel lane to ease congestion

The design aims to improve traffic flow, reduce collision risks, and increase safety for both drivers and pedestrians.

“This is a big investment in one of our most important local roads,” said a CDOT spokesperson. “The improvements are long overdue and will make this corridor more efficient and safer for everyone.”

Detours and Disruptions

While the benefits are on the horizon, CDOT is urging drivers to brace for continued impacts over the summer and fall. The department strongly encourages motorists to use alternate routes and avoid driving directly through the work zone unless necessary.

“Access to local businesses remains open, but navigating in and out may take extra time,” CDOT noted in its advisory. “We’re asking for continued patience.”

A Project Years in the Making

The F Road upgrade has been under discussion for years, with community feedback consistently highlighting the need for better flow and modern infrastructure.

The first roundabout, completed earlier in the project, has already made noticeable improvements at one end of the stretch. The second, at 5th Street, is expected to further streamline traffic where congestion historically peaked.

The added travel lane is a response to rising traffic volume, especially during rush hour. Officials hope the expanded capacity will help future-proof the road as the Clifton area continues to grow.

Businesses Caught in the Middle

For businesses along F Road, the construction has been both a challenge and a source of cautious optimism.

“We’ve had fewer people stopping in just because it’s hard to get here,” said one local café owner near 3rd Street. “But long-term, we know this will help. We just need to hang in there.”

CDOT says it is working with businesses to ensure signage and access remain clear during the final construction phase.