Just as this major improvement project will bring improvements to Weld County Road (WCR) 66, it also brings questions regarding the exact work being done and the overall project scope. Before the project begins this fall of 2026 and when it's underway, utilize this page as a resource to find answers to several questions about the work itself and the overall project scope.
Have more questions? Don't hesitate to reach out to the project team.
This project consists of improving a 4-mile section of WCR 66 between U.S. 85 and WCR 47 to a 5-lane concrete roadway. The typical roadway section will include two travel lanes in each direction, a continuous left-turn lane in the middle of the roadway, and large paved shoulders.
Weld County was able to secure the funding to build the ultimate improvements now. This allows the county to improve roadway safety, support agricultural operations, provide better freight mobility, and address regional growth and long-range development plans at the airport all while avoiding paying higher construction costs in the future.
When these improvements are done, there will be a continuous left-turn lane in the middle of the roadway to allow for left turns.
State Highway 392 is a Colorado state highway and falls under the jurisdiction of the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). At this time, the state has not planned improvements to SH 392 in this area. Because of that, Weld County must plan improvements within the roadway system it owns and maintains to address roadway safety, freight movement, and long-term growth.
8th Street/WCR 60 ½ is owned by the City of Greeley in this area and is not part of this project. This Weld County Capital Improvement Project is focused on creating a safer and more functional east-west connection that complements the broader transportation network the county owns rather than relying on a single corridor that’s under Greeley’s jurisdiction. 8th Street currently serves airport traffic, and its condition will continue to be evaluated as part of the City of Greeley’s ongoing transportation planning process.
Weld County has contracted with the consulting team of Benesch and Muller to represent the county in managing the design and construction of the WCR 66 corridor. The county has not yet selected the contractor to do the work.
Construction on WCR 66 will begin in the fall of 2026 and be substantially completed by Dec. 31, 2028.
Larger infrastructure projects require engineering design, environmental review, right-of-way coordination, and construction planning, which can extend the schedule. While this timeline might seem unrealistic, the county is utilizing the contract mechanism of construction management/general contractor. This type of contract helps streamline the process to ensure construction can start quickly, and we can move the project along faster.
There could 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 potentially affected 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 66 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 officials to ensure these improvements address regional transportation needs, no other local jurisdictions are providing funding for this project.
Information about WCR 66 can be found at Weld.gov/Go/WCR66. You can also send an email to wcr66@weld.gov or call the project hotline at (970) 620-9590.