Collaboration brings funding for Interstate 76 improvements

Published on February 21, 2024

The Upper Front Range Transportation Planning Region (TPR) is pleased to announce a joint grant effort between Morgan County and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), with assistance from Weld County. The I-76 Phase IV Regional Improvements for Safety and Efficiency (RISE) project is a federal grant in the amount of $29,190,000 awarded to Morgan County to be applied by CDOT toward construction costs and the implementation of improvements.

Planned improvements in the I-76 Reconstruction and Improvements Project include reconstructing approximately 1.4 miles of the interstate corridor in both directions and the replacement of four bridges — two that cross over rail lines and two that pass over Highway 6 at the I-76 interchange. Installation of a Park-n-Ride mobility hub along the corridor is also planned.

The grant, awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Infrastructure for Rebuilding America program was applied for by Morgan County with support from Weld County. Both are members of the Upper Front Range Transportation Planning, a group of elected officials from 19 municipalities in the northern Front Range as well as all of Morgan County and the unincorporated rural areas of Weld and Larimer Counties. The TPR, in accordance with state statute, identifies multimodal and safety needs in the region as part of a long-range development plan for inclusion in the state’s transportation plan.

“We were happy to assist Morgan County in its application process and excited to hear they received this grant,” said Kevin Ross, Weld County Commissioner Chair and Vice Chair of the TPR. “Our staff’s time in helping to draft and submit the grant application is well worth seeing these improvements to I-76, which serves residents from Weld and Morgan County alike.”  

“We believe this grant will help serve Morgan County residents using I-76 in the northern portion of our state,” said Jon Becker, Morgan County Commissioner Chair of the TPR. “Morgan County appreciates the partnership efforts with Weld County and CDOT and we’re excited to see these important safety and efficiency improvements on the corridor.”

The design is complete, and this project is ready for construction. CDOT will begin advertising for a contractor in November and work is anticipated to begin in March of 2025.

Learn more about the Upper Front Range TPR.