CDOT Employee Dies 9 Days After Being Struck On Highway

LAKEWOOD, CO -- A Colorado Department of Transportation employee died of his injuries at St. Anthony's Hospital in Lakewood after being struck by a car while working on a southwest Colorado highway. Fourteen-year CDOT veteran Nolan Olson died Feb. 11 of injuries he received Feb. 2 while filling potholes on U.S. Highway 160 in Pagosa Springs.

The accident took place around 11:30 a.m. on the south side of Hwy. 160 near milepost 140.04, said Brooks Brown, Pagosa Springs spokesperson. An eastbound vehicle drive by an 83-year-old male driver drifted into the acceleration lane where Olson was standing, striking him with the right front bumper of the vehicle, police said. The driver was initially cited for careless driving causing bodily injury. No drugs or alcohol were suspected, Brown said in an email. Because of Olson's death, additional charges may be filed. The investigation will be continued by the police department and the local district attorney's office, Brown said.

Olson's colleagues remembered him as a conscientious worker.

“Nolan possessed a wealth of knowledge about CDOT, was a true role model to his co-workers and was diligent in his work,” said Billy McDermott, the CDOT maintenance supervisor who manages the Pagosa Springs patrol in a statement. “Nolan faced every day with a great and positive attitude. Every member of his patrol looked up to him. Nolan gave guidance for work tasks and was able to share the history of the patrol, CDOT and Pagosa area whenever asked.”

Fellow CDOT employees, families and friends created a Go Fund Me website to help provide financial support to Mr. Olson’s family. To contribute to the fund, visit: www.gofundme.com/go-nolan.

CDOT workers take risks every day when they serve the public on Colorado's highways, said Michael Lewis, CDOT's executive director.

“Not only do I want the public to understand the type of man that Nolan was, I also want the public to know and understand the care needed when driving on our highways," Lewis said in a statement. "A driver's undivided attention to the road will ensure we are able to come home to our families.”

Fines for speeding or other traffic violations are double in CDOT work zones, according to state law.

Details about Mr. Olson’s memorial services have yet to be announced by the family.
Image Nolan Olson, via CDOT