Closure extended for county road 74 and 33 roundabout project
Published on August 07, 2023
Despite efforts to complete the roundabout at the intersection of Weld County Road (WCR) 74 and WCR 33 by Aug. 14, unfortunately, more time is needed to finish the project. This week, the Weld County Board of Commissioners granted the Weld County Department of Public Works and project contractor, Lawson Construction, a road closure extension until Dec. 1
“We understand and empathize with those who are frustrated by the length of this closure. However, it’s important that the road projects we invest taxpayer dollars in deliver a high-quality result, something built to last that will meet current and future demand,” said Mike Freeman Weld County Commissioner Chair. “Our residents deserve that, and more time helps us to accomplish that goal.”
Since the project began Jan. 15, work has been done to replace an irrigation system in conflict with roundabout construction, and work is ongoing to excavate and stabilize soil, finish drainage work and place gravel that sits underneath the driving surface for stability. Several elements of construction still need to be completed, some of which include placement of the concrete driving surface at all four legs of the roundabout, tie-in work to connect the roundabout to exiting portions of WCR 74 and WCR 33, striping and the installation of streetlights.
Such a lengthy extension for Public Works is rare as the department has a long history of successful road projects, many of which have been completed on-time or ahead of schedule. Still, no project is without challenges, and Public Works Director Curtis Hall said the department is working through those challenges with the project contractor to deliver a finished product that’s on par with other county projects.
“We apologize for this delay and the inconvenience it causes the traveling public,” he said. “We always try to complete projects as quickly as possible and to the highest standard as possible, but sometimes those priorities don’t align. However, we are diligently working with our project contractor to deliver a quality roundabout like the ones at 35th Ave. and O St. and WCR 54 and WCR 17. We appreciate the public’s patience while we complete this project.”
The extended closure will have an impact on harvest season and on the bus routes for the Eaton School District. Public Works has been in contact with school officials about the closure and would like to remind the traveling public to use the posted project detours. East and westbound traffic on WCR 74 can utilize either WCR 35, or WCR 31 to connect to WCR 76. North and southbound traffic on WCR 33 can utilize either WCR 76 or WCR 72 to access WCR 31. Message boards will also be placed along WCR 74 and WCR 33 to alert drivers of the extended closure.
The public is encouraged to stay informed of project progress by signing up to receive email alerts. Enter an email address and select WCR 74, 33 Roundabout.