Xcel Energy to partially close northern Colorado highways for turbine transport

Slow-moving trucks carrying generators and turbines will impact traffic on I-25, US-287, and CO-66 over the next two months.

Mar. 5, 2026 at 3:09pm

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Xcel Energy has announced a series of highway closures in northern Colorado over the next two months as they transport generators and turbines from Loveland to the Fort St. Vrain Generating Station in Platteville. The slow-moving trucks, traveling at up to 5 miles per hour, will impact traffic on Interstate 25, U.S. Highway 287, and Colorado Highway 66, as well as the I-25 Exit 243 at Longmont and Lyons.

Why it matters

These highway closures are part of Xcel Energy's efforts to enhance clean energy generation in Colorado, as the new equipment is being installed as part of the 2024 Colorado Clean Energy Plan to add approximately 6,100 megawatts of new generation capacity.

The details

Xcel Energy will be moving the generators and turbines over the course of four separate equipment transport operations scheduled to take place over the next two months. The first of these moves is set to begin on Saturday, March 5th at 7 a.m.

  • The first equipment move will take place on Saturday, March 5, 2026 starting at 7 a.m.
  • Xcel Energy said there will be a total of four equipment moves over the next two months.

The players

Xcel Energy

An electric and natural gas utility company that provides service to customers in Colorado, Minnesota, Michigan, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin.

Fort St. Vrain Generating Station

A power plant located in Platteville, Colorado that is part of Xcel Energy's efforts to increase clean energy generation in the state.

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What’s next

Xcel Energy said the next three equipment moves will also take place over the next two months, with the full schedule and impacts to be announced closer to the dates.

The takeaway

These highway closures in northern Colorado are a necessary step in Xcel Energy's broader plans to expand its clean energy generation capacity in the state, as part of Colorado's broader clean energy goals.