Bridge project on Weld County Road 54 to begin this fall

Published on February 28, 2023

The reconstruction of a bridge on Weld County Road (WCR) 54 over the Big Thompson River, located east of the intersection at WCR 13, is moving forward with support from both the Weld County Board of Commissioners and the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). The partnership was formalized with an Intergovernmental Agreement between the board and DOLA, who is contributing a $750,000 Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Grant toward the project.

“We’re always looking to care for our transportation system and deliver needed improvements that ensure safety and efficiency,” said Mike Freeman, Weld County Commissioner Chair. “This agreement will help us deliver a bridge that meets travelers’ expectations as well as federal requirements, and we’re proud to have DOLA’s support.”

The project will transform bridge 54/13A from two lanes to four. Reconstruction will extend the bridge’s length to 339 feet and make it 71 feet wide. Work will also be done to raise the bridge 5 feet 6 inches higher to meet Federal Emergency Management Agency floodplain requirements. These improvements are necessary to strengthen the bridge’s condition rating as well as prevent it from becoming load restricted. Construction will be completed by an outside contractor, who will be chosen at a later date.

“This is an intensive project, but it’s necessary to ensure that it meets new floodplain requirements as well as remains in good condition now and in the future,” said Weld County Public Works Director Curtis Hall. “The reconstruction of the bridge will not only ensure heavy trucks can continue to use the WCR 54/Freedom Parkway Corridor, but it will also provide a bridge that supports future growth and development as nearby municipalities and the county continue growing.”

Beyond the money provided by DOLA, the county is expected to contribute $8,795,348 to the project, one of four bridge projects the Department of Public Works lists as Capital Improvement Projects over the next five years.

The project is scheduled to begin this fall. While no exact start date is known, when announced, it, along with associated closures and detours, will be published on the county’s Facebook and Twitter platforms.