Grant to aid in construction of roundabout

Published on June 17, 2024

A capital improvement project planned to begin in 2025 is moving forward with state support. The Weld County Board of Commissioners has accepted a $1 million grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs to go toward construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Weld County Road (WCR) 6 and WCR 13.

“We’re always looking at ways to make our transportation system as safe and efficient as possible,” said Kevin Ross, Weld County Commissioner Chair. “This grant will help us to improve a heavily used intersection, and just as we’ve seen traffic improvements from our other county roundabouts, we expect similar results from this one.”

Consistent with the design of other county roundabouts, the one built at WCR 6 and WCR 13 will feature wide lanes to accommodate semitrucks and large agricultural equipment as well as regular vehicles. Lanes will be made of concrete, to help ensure a longer lifecycle — the goal is 30 years — before major repairs are needed.

The roundabout, planned for the intersection located south of Dacono and east of Erie, aims to increase both safety and efficiency. Approximately 7,340 vehicles pass through it daily, according to the Weld County Department of Public Works, with the majority of accidents experienced being broadsides. Roundabouts reduce the likelihood of injuries and fatalities by approximately 80% compared to a two-way stop and by 40% compared to a stoplight, according to the Federal Highway Administration.

The project, budgeted at $12.8 million, is in its early stages. The design is complete, but construction will be completed by an outside contractor, who is expected to be chosen early next year.