Safeguarding Colorado’s Power Grid: AWP Safety Supports Wildfire Mitigation Efforts

AWP Safety Colorado provided full-service traffic control and worksite safety services to support critical grid upgrades in Idaho Springs, Colorado — part of a massive Xcel Energy wildfire mitigation program.

Customer Challenge

Xcel Energy faced an urgent, high-stakes challenge: the need to strengthen Colorado’s power grid to protect homes, businesses and natural lands from catastrophic wildfires. As part of its $1.9 billion mitigation program, Xcel partnered with Ward Electric to upgrade
infrastructure in Idaho Springs, Colorado. The project would require a full overnight power shutdown, pulling wire across I-70 (a very busy interstate highway), and complex traffic control across steep mountain terrain.

Originally scoped for eight pole replacements, the project expanded to eleven just two days before execution, calling for 45 Protectors. The increased scope and tight timeline required a traffic control and worksite safety partner capable of scaling quickly without compromising safety or efficiency.

AWP Safety Solution

AWP Safety mobilized 45 Protectors and 27 supervisors to manage 15 one-lane operations, 9 frontage road closures, and four 20-minute shutdowns on I-70.

AWP Safety teams quickly mobilized to cover multiple worksites within Idaho Springs’ town limits, along winding rural roads, and across I-70. The project demanded intense coordination, rapid mobilization, and 24/7 responsiveness.

A dedicated shuttle program moved AWP Safety crews quickly between sites, reducing congestion on narrow mountain roads and keeping utility crews on schedule. Supervisors maintained real-time radio communication with Ward Electric foremen and CDOT officials to ensure every work zone operated safely and on time.

“This is our bread and butter,” said Kyle Jerome, AWP Safety area manager. “Pivoting quickly, adapting, and making sure everything runs safely and on time.”

Results

• Zero Safety Incidents: Crews managed rolling lane closures, overnight flagging shifts, and interstate shutdowns without a single incident.
• Seamless Execution of expanded scope under tight deadlines.
• Enhanced Community Resilience: The Idaho Springs community now benefits from a safer, more reliable power grid and reduced wildfire risk.
• Strong Partnership: The project showcased seamless coordination between AWP Safety and Ward Electric built on trust, responsiveness and shared community safety.

Ward Electric praised AWP Safety’s planning, professionalism and responsiveness: “I want to thank you and your entire team for the exceptional work and support you’ve provided,” shared Paige Baldwin, project manager at Ward Electric. “The Idaho Springs
project was executed seamlessly, and that’s a direct reflection of your meticulous planning, leadership, and your team’s professionalism on the ground. Please extend our gratitude to everyone involved. Their hard work, responsiveness, and positive attitudes do not go unnoticed.”

Why This Matters For Future Projects

As utilities and contractors face growing demands for speed, safety, and reliability, projects like this show what strong partnerships can achieve. By working seamlessly with Ward Electric and Xcel Energy, AWP Safety helped protect people and keep progress on track for a major wildfire mitigation initiative.

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