A massive $1.5 billion state-wide road construction and maintenance program was approved Thursday that calls for the widening of north Interstate 25 from Denver to Fort Collins and the bolstering of bridges, culverts and rock slide prevention.

In all, 44 projects will benefit under a new program that also expands public-private partnerships to build and improve the state’s highways.

In all, $800 million will be allocated to halt the deterioration of the state highway system, including $33 million bridge repairs and work to prevent damages for rock fall.

Another $700 million will go for new highway construction and expansion over the next five years, which CDOT hopes will attract private firms to help operate and maintain the highways.

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Lt. Col. Bryan Webinger bursts through a paper banner during a homecoming ceremony Thursday, October 17, 2013, for Webinger and 10 other soldiers with Fort Carson’s 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. The soldiers were deployed for nine months to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette

MARK REIS