A bill to get the Colorado Department of Transportation to loosen up over highway access for businesses turned into a “tongue-lashing” Wednesday, according to Rep. Clarice Navarro’s office.

House Bill 1166 died in the House Transportation and Energy Committee, which postponed it indefinitely by an 8-4 party-line vote.

“I’m thankful that CDOT is finally paying attention,” The Pueblo Republican said in a statement after the hearing.  “As an agency of this state they owe it to the people they serve to pay attention when called upon to do so.

The Democrats who voted against the bill were Jeff Bridges, Daneya Esgar, Joann Ginal, Chris Hansen, Dominique Jackson, Barbara McLachlan, Faith Winter and Diane Mitsch Bush.

Mitsch Bush, the chairwoman of the committee, pointed out Thursday morning the primary vote on the bill was 10-2, with Republican Reps. Polly Lawrence and Terri Carver voting with the Democrats.

Amy Ford, a spokeswoman for CDOT, responded to Navarro’s criticism via e-mail.

“CDOT takes very seriously how we work with developers and others to not only support smart development but ensure that we maintain the safety of our transportation system,” she said.

Editor’s note: This blog was updated to add Mitsch Bush’s information about the primary vote on the bill.