Campus chilled water line

Work begins Jan. 5 at the Code Talker Hall site, with the east side of Lot 145 serving as a staging area. Each phase of construction will be completed before the next begins, minimizing disruption and maintaining access wherever possible. The project will use a combination of open trenching and boring, including a major bore operation starting in March from Lot 177 on the south side of Newton Court.

As construction progresses, portions of Folsom Street near Colorado Avenue will be impacted. Two-way traffic will be maintained on Folsom throughout the project; however, traffic will be occasionally reduced to a single shared lane in the work zone. 

When will construction start and how long will it last?
Construction begins Jan. 5, 2026, at the Code Talker Hall site. The project will proceed in multiple phases through summer 2026, with the main chilled water line expected to be complete by September 2026. Some work will continue into the fall to finalize site restoration.

Where will construction take place?
Work will occur between the main campus and Code Talker Hall, including areas around Lot 145, Lot 177 (Newton Court), Lot 360, Folsom Street and Colorado Avenue. Each phase is mapped in the project’s phasing plan, and staging areas will be clearly marked.

Will parking be affected?
Yes. The east side of Lot 145 and portions of Lot 177 and Lot 360 will be used for construction staging. Some parking spaces will be temporarily unavailable, but a thru-lane and some parking will remain open. Updates will be provided in advance of each phase.

How will traffic be impacted?
During certain phases, the far-right southbound lane on Folsom near Colorado Avenue will be occupied by equipment, and right and left turn lanes will be combined into a single shared turn lane. Two-way traffic will be maintained on Folsom. Traffic control and signage will be in place to guide drivers.

How will Commencement and the BolderBoulder be impacted?
We are coordinating closely with event organizers to minimize any impact on commencement and the BolderBoulder. Construction activities along Folsom and Colorado Avenue will be scheduled to maintain access during these events. Folsom will remain open with two-way traffic, while Colorado Avenue will remain open during these events but will be fully closed later in the summer (June 8–July 15). While some lane shifts and equipment staging may be present, clear signage and traffic control will help guide attendees and participants. Any temporary changes to parking or access will be communicated well in advance.

Will there be water or utility outages?
No planned water shut-offs are expected for residents, though there may be rare, brief interruptions. Advance notice will be provided if any outages are necessary.

Why is the university installing a chilled water line instead of using temporary chillers?
A centralized chilled water line is more efficient, sustainable, and better supports long-term campus master-planning. Temporary chillers are a short-term solution and will be used only if needed to ensure uninterrupted cooling for Code Talker Hall.

What are the sustainability benefits of this project?
The project supports CU Boulder’s sustainability goals by electrifying chillers, reducing the campus carbon footprint, and improving energy efficiency for current and future buildings.

How will Commencement and the BolderBoulder be impacted?
We are coordinating closely with event organizers to minimize any impact on commencement and the BolderBoulder. Construction activities along Folsom and Colorado Avenue will be scheduled to maintain two-way traffic and access during these events. While some lane shifts and equipment staging may be present, clear signage and traffic control will help guide attendees and participants. Any temporary changes to parking or access will be communicated well in advance.