The planned work along Weld County Road (WCR) 54 marks a major capital improvement project. We know roadwork and construction can be an inconvenience, and we appreciate the public's patience as we work toward these improvements.
This project will begin following construction of a roundabout at the intersection of WCR 54 and WCR 13. Before this project starts and while it's going on, we invite you to become familiar with several frequently asked questions about the exact work being done and the overall project scope. Review the Q&A below, and if you have other questions, don't hesitate to contact the project team!
This project consists of improving a 4-mile section of WCR 54 between WCR 13/Larimer County Road 1 and CO 257 to include one lane in each direction with a continuous turn lane in the middle and large, paved shoulders. This roadway design will combine low traffic volumes with high-speed design standards to offer a safer, more efficient alternative to the traditional two-lane roadway.
When these interim improvements are done, there will be a continuous center turn lane to allow for left turns. At some point in the future, when local communities annex this area, a second travel lane will be added to each direction of WCR 54 in the ultimate configuration. At that time, the center turn lane area will be raised and curb and gutter will be installed. This will prohibit most left turns, and access will be amended per the adopted access control plan.
Weld County has contracted with the consulting team of Benesch and Muller Engineering to represent the county in managing the design and construction of the WCR 54 corridor. The county has not yet selected the contractor to do the work.
There is a separate project to build a roundabout at the intersection of WCR 54 and WCR 13. This work is scheduled to start in the spring of 2026 and be complete by fall 2026. Once the roundabout is finished, work will begin on the WCR 54 improvements between WCR 13 and CO 257. This work is anticipated to be complete by the spring of 2029.
There will be some acquisitions of private property parcels. However, we are still in the preliminary design phase, gathering survey data, and identifying existing utilities. Land agents have been assigned to each owner along the corridor and will work with them on any property acquisitions that are necessary. These agents will work with the landowners throughout the project design, appraisal process and construction to ensure transparency, safety, and adherence to the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. All affected property owners should have received an initial letter with contact information for their assigned land agent.
Yes, utility easements will be needed in areas along the WCR 54 corridor. Land agents assigned to each private property owner will work with them and the utility companies throughout the project design, appraisal process, and construction to ensure transparency and safety.
This capital improvement project is being funded with local county transportation funds. These funds largely come from county tax revenues, such as property taxes and other local sources. While the project team is working with Greeley, Johnstown, and Milliken officials to ensure these improvements address regional transportation needs, no other local jurisdictions are providing funding for the interim project.
Information about WCR 54 can be found at Weld.gov/Go/WCR54. You can also send an email to wcr54@weld.gov or call the project hotline at (970-620-9590.