What I Learned While Filming a Behind-the-Scenes Look for CDOT

By Kyle Johnston, Executive Director, Lookwell Media

As a video producer, I’ve had the opportunity to work on many fascinating projects, but few have opened my eyes to the depth and complexity of an organization like our recent series with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). In partnership with CIG, we created a behind-the-scenes video series highlighting the remarkable work of CDOT employees. What I discovered during this project went beyond just a glimpse of daily operations—I left with a deeper respect for the people who keep Colorado moving and a newfound appreciation for the risks they take and the creativity they bring to their work.

CDOT: More Than Just Roads and Bridges

Going into the project, I assumed CDOT’s primary function was to maintain highways and infrastructure, but as the series unfolded, I realized their responsibilities extend far beyond that. In fact, their slogan, “We do more than you think,” is no exaggeration. From avalanche mitigation to installing fiber optics, CDOT’s work touches nearly every aspect of transportation and safety in the state.

One of our episodes featured CDOT’s avalanche mitigation efforts, and it was eye-opening to witness the precision and danger involved. Crews drop explosives from helicopters to safely trigger avalanches in high-risk areas, preventing natural events that could pose a threat to drivers. It’s a high-stakes job requiring skill, courage, and quick decision-making in unpredictable conditions. I think the highlight was when they offered me to go up with them in the helicopter for unique angles. It was both awesome and completely terrifying filming out of the open door!

We also filmed the process of installing fiber optic cables along Colorado’s highways, a little-known but crucial part of ensuring modern communication and traffic systems work efficiently. These tasks, though rarely in the public eye, directly impact the safety and infrastructure we rely on every day.

The Human Side of Transportation: CDOT’s Unsung Heroes

Throughout the project, it became clear that the people behind the scenes at CDOT are just as extraordinary as the work they do. These employees face dangerous conditions daily, whether they are maintaining guardrails on steep mountain roads or setting up road signage in high-traffic areas to protect first responders during emergencies.

One particularly memorable experience was filming the traffic incident management team. Watching them swiftly and methodically set up signage and barriers to protect both drivers and emergency personnel during accidents gave me a new appreciation for the risks these individuals take. They’re often working just feet away from speeding traffic, ensuring that others stay safe in situations where one misstep could be catastrophic.

It’s easy to take this work for granted, but seeing it up close, I realized the constant physical and mental toll it takes on these employees. It’s not just a job—it’s a service, often done with little recognition, but with a huge impact on the safety of Coloradans.

Creativity in Unlikely Places

Another surprising discovery during this project was how creative and innovative CDOT’s employees are. You don’t usually associate road maintenance with creativity, but it’s present in nearly every aspect of their work. For example, we filmed the process of hammering down posts for guardrails using a tractor. They didn’t have the tools heavy enough for the job with them on hand, so they thought outside the box and used the tractor’s shovel to knock it in. In another part of the series, we followed the team responsible for making road signs where they’ve developed an efficient system for creating high-quality signage in-house, which saves money and time.

The Takeaway

Filming this series for CDOT gave me a newfound respect for the work that goes on behind the scenes to keep Colorado’s roads safe and operational. The employees we met were not just maintaining infrastructure; they were protecting lives and ensuring the smooth functioning of our state. Their work is often dangerous and demanding, yet they approach it with creativity, passion, and a deep sense of responsibility.

This project was a reminder of how much we rely on unseen heroes, and how critical it is to shine a light on their efforts. The next time I’m driving down a well-maintained road or pass a sign that keeps me informed of road conditions, I’ll think of the CDOT employees who make it all possible—working tirelessly, often in the background, but always for the benefit of everyone who calls Colorado home.