County enters into Intergovernmental Agreement for roundabout
Published on November 09, 2023
A project aimed at increasing safety and efficiency at the intersection of Weld County Road (WCR) 54 and WCR 13 northeast of Johnstown is moving forward with financial support from both the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Larimer County. Last week, the Weld County Board of Commissioners entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with CDOT for the construction of a roundabout, expected to begin in mid- to late-2026.
The IGA comes as Weld County was awarded CDOT’s Surface Transportation Block Grant in the amount of $1,714,469. Larimer County, through an IGA entered into in October of last year, will contribute $30,000 toward construction as it shares jurisdiction of WCR 54 (Larimer County Road 18). A majority of the funding from the grant — $1,419,409 — will come from CDOT with Weld County contributing the remaining amount. Grant money can only be applied to construction costs. Other elements — right-of-way acquisition, utility relocations, etc. — will be paid for by Weld County.
“As we continue to grow, roundabouts will be an option we explore to enhance safety and efficiency at intersections,” said Mike Freeman, Weld County Commissioner Chair. “We’re pleased to have support from CDOT and Larimer County on this project.”
The intersection at WCR 54 and WCR 13 is a heavily used one, with an annual average daily traffic rate of 9,920 vehicles, according to the Weld County Department of Public Works. With broadsides identified as a rising contributor of accidents at the intersection, a roundabout was identified as the best safety enhancement. This project follows other county roundabouts at 35th Ave. and O St. and WCR 54 and 17, which were also constructed to reduce the risk of broadside accidents.
“We’re appreciative of this grant,” said Curtis Hall, Director of the Weld County Department of Public Works. “We look at all improvement options, and roundabouts continue to be more effective at reducing the likelihood of broadside accidents compared to a traffic signal or stop sign. We look forward to delivering this improvement.”
While the roundabout is still in its design phase, it’s expected to have many of the same features as other county roundabouts — wider lanes made of concrete to accommodate regular traffic and large trucks and agricultural equipment.
Construction will be performed by an outside contractor, which will be selected at a later date.