Agreement to bring major changes to intersection
Published on March 04, 2021
Reducing traffic congestion and improving safety are the goals behind a project to convert the intersection at 35th Avenue and O Street into a roundabout. The project moved ahead Monday after the Weld County Board of Commissioners approved an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Greeley. As both entities share jurisdiction of the intersection, they are partnering on the project to deliver the best possible product to the traveling public. Construction is set to begin this fall.
“We’re always looking for ways to make our transportation system safer and more efficient,” Weld County Chair Steve Moreno said. “This roundabout will not only address traffic congestion and safety concerns today but will also meet those needs in the future. I’m excited about this project.”
The need for improvements comes in response to increased usage of the intersection. With an annual average daily traffic rate of 11,320 vehicles entering the intersection, according to statistics from the Weld County Department of Public Works, the likelihood of broadside and rear end accidents has increased. After a roundabout was identified as the best method to address both issues, the project was placed on Public Works’ Capital Improvement Plan.
To help leverage the cost of the safety improvements, Weld County applied for an Energy and Mineral Impact Grant and was awarded $750,000. Additionally, the City of Greeley is contributing $1.6 million toward project costs. As the project manager, the Weld County Department of Public Works is responsible for the roundabout’s design, right-of-way acquisition, bidding the project and overall project management related to its construction. Currently, Greeley is working on its own separate project to widen 35th Avenue from Fourth Street to F Street. The county is not involved in Greeley’s design or widening.
Throughout the roundabout design process, several steps were taken to ensure it will meet the needs of both urban and rural travelers, similar to the roundabout at Weld County Roads 54 and 17, which opened this past year. Some features will include:
- A road surface made of concrete to provide a longer service life and meet the demand anticipated with circular movement.
- A wider diameter to better accommodate the needs of large trucks or agricultural vehicles.
- The addition of streetlights in the roundabout for improved visibility at night.
“While roundabouts are a tool to enhance safety on our roads, it’s critically important they accommodate the needs of those driving large trucks and that they are built in a way which will meet continued demand,” said Mike Freeman, Commissioner Coordinator for Public Works. “Our staff has taken steps to ensure both in this design.”
While construction isn’t expected to begin until the fall, the public is encouraged to follow the county’s Facebook and Twitter pages for regular updates on the project.
Learn more about the Department of Public Works by visiting the department page.