"We are honored to host Secretary LaHood as we break ground on one of the largest roadway projects in Colorado to be funded by the Recovery Act," Gov. Ritter said. "The launch of the C-470 project is another important example of how Colorado is quickly putting the Recovery Act to work to create jobs, reboot the economy and invest in a modern transportation system."

"This project is key to easing traffic congestion and ensuring access to the metro area for commuters and recreational users," said Congressman Perlmutter. "Investments in these types of projects are already helping our aging infrastructure and saving and creating good paying jobs for the 7th Congressional District and Colorado."

Livable communities can offer residents choices among different modes of travel - from highways to light rail to bike paths. The C-470 project is estimated to cost $32.3 million.

Work will include the resurfacing and rehabilitation of nine miles of highway and various sections of the bicycle path. The project is scheduled to be complete in September 2010.

C-470 extends about 26 miles from I-25 in the south to I-70 in the west through Douglass and Jefferson counties. Vehicle traffic has grown from 40,000 vehicles per day in 2004 to 75,000 in 2008.