Boulder, Colo., moves utilities underground at Chautauqua to cut wildfire risk

(UI) — Crews are undergrounding utilities at the historic Chautauqua neighborhood as part of the city’s ongoing infrastructure improvement project. The work includes relocating power lines, communication cables, and fiber optic facilities below ground, while also upgrading water and stormwater systems.

City officials say the project improves both safety and reliability. Overhead power lines have long been vulnerable to wind, falling trees, and equipment failures — risks that can spark wildfires during dry conditions. By placing utilities underground, Boulder is reducing the potential for ignitions and strengthening system resilience against outages during extreme weather.

The project also includes resurfacing streets and restoring the surrounding area once construction is complete. While residents may face temporary disruptions such as equipment staging, parking restrictions, and occasional trail closures, the city emphasizes the long-term benefits.

“When finished, Chautauqua will be better protected against wildfire risk, supported by reliable infrastructure, and free of much of the visual clutter of poles and wires,” officials said. Completion is scheduled for 2027.

Chautauqua, a city-owned National Historic Landmark, is one of Boulder’s most visited destinations, known for its open views, trailheads, and connection to the Flatirons.

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