Campus chilled water line
Jan. 5, 2026:Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder has officially broken ground on a major infrastructure project to install a new chilled water line connecting the main campus to Code Talker Hall and the North Boulder Creek (NBC) neighborhood. This multi-phase project will enhance energy efficiency, support future campus infrastructure and help the university meet its long-term sustainability goals.
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, with equipment occupying the far-right southbound lane and turn lanes temporarily combined. Two-way traffic will be maintained on Colorado and Folsom throughout the project, and a portion of Lot 360 will be used for staging during later phases. The current schedule anticipates completion of the main line by June 2026, with a temporary chiller in place to ensure uninterrupted cooling for Code Talker Hall until the new lines are completed.Â
What to expect
- Parking: 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.
- Traffic: Expect lane shifts and combined turn lanes on Folsom near Colorado Avenue. Two-way traffic will be maintained on Colorado and Folsom.
- Access: Construction will be phased to maintain access to campus facilities and minimize disruption.
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 June 2026. Some work will continue into the summer 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 Colorado and Folsom. Traffic control and signage will be in place to guide drivers.
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 Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder’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.
Chilled water line phase 1 and 2

Project Overview
| Anticipated construction start: | January 2026 |
| Anticipated completion: | Summer 2026 |
| Budget: | TBD |
| Size: | TBD |
About the Project
The chilled water line will provide reliable, efficient cooling to Code Talker Hall and future buildings in the NBC area. The project is part of a broader utilities upgrade that includes improvements to heating water and medium voltage electrical systems. By electrifying chillers and centralizing cooling, Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder is reducing its carbon footprint and preparing for future campus needs.
This project is a key step in Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder’s commitment to sustainability, resource alignment and commitment to sustainability and resource alignment. By investing in modern, efficient infrastructure, the university is ensuring reliable utilities for current and future generations.







