JHL highway maintenance facility named Project of the Year

The E-470 Central Maintenance Facility has been named the 2025 Project of the Year by the APWA Colorado Chapter. This prestigious recognition highlights not only the quality of the finished facility but also the collaboration, innovation, and dedication that drove the project from concept to completion. From early planning through construction, the project team worked seamlessly together to deliver a facility that reflects the highest standards of functionality, sustainability, and long-term value for the highway authority and local community.

The facility was purpose-built to support the operational and maintenance needs of one of Colorado’s busiest transportation corridors, serving more than three million travelers annually across 47 miles, five municipalities, and three counties. The 62,000 SF facility, located on a 13-acre site in Aurora, was designed to replace the previous maintenance campus and prepare E-470 for the region’s projected growth.

The campus features a fleet maintenance building with multiple service bays, a fueling center, a liquid deicer storage system, a 22,500 SF timber salt barn, covered storage bays for snowplows, and dedicated subcontractor storage, all designed to maximize efficiency and reduce downtime. Strategic co-location directly across from E-470 Headquarters enhances communication and emergency response times, while features such as natural daylight, modern workspaces, and clear lines of sight improve safety and employee satisfaction.

Sustainability was also front and center. The facility includes xeriscaping, EV charging infrastructure, recycled construction materials, and a closed-loop vehicle wash system that reclaims water, all with future solar integration in mind. These elements not only reduce environmental impact but also align with E-470’s long-term operational vision.

The completed facility represents more than just a new building, it is a forward-thinking, resilient, and efficient hub designed to serve Colorado’s growing communities for decades to come. JHL is honored to have played a role in building this critical piece of infrastructure that will keep Colorado moving safely and reliably well into the future.

Project Team: E-470 Public Highway Authority, JHL Constructors, D2C Architects, Wells Concrete, Kiowa Engineering, Kumar & Associates, Major Geothermal, Plan West, Ramirez Johnson & Associates, Professional Engineering Consultants, and Blymyer Engineers