Grant to assist with first segment of High Plains Boulevard Project
Published on March 12, 2024
High Plains Boulevard, a planned parallel arterial road running east of Interstate 25 is closer to becoming a reality. The Weld County Board of Commissioners has accepted a $1 million Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) grant, which will be used to fund the design and construction of one mile at the southern end of a 14-mile corridor.
“As Weld County continues to grow, there will be greater demand on our transportation infrastructure,” said Kevin Ross, Weld County Commissioner Chair. “Projects like these are important to make sure we can meet the needs of the traveling public as safely and efficiently as possible. We’re pleased to have DOLA’s support.”
The first segment of the new multimodal road will extend Weld County Road (WCR) 9.5 from WCR 32 to WCR 34 east of Mead. It will be an interim cross section featuring two 12-foot lanes (one north and one south), shoulders and a sidewalk on one side. Both intersections at WCR 32 and 34 will include auxiliary lanes for safety. A stormwater system will also be installed to ensure proper drainage along the road.
While the first segment of High Plains Boulevard is only a one-mile road, the long-term vision for the project is much larger. In 2020, a High Plains Boulevard study was developed from the original 2003 Interstate 25 Parallel Arterial Study and included representatives from Weld County, Larimer County, the Colorado Department of Transportation and the towns of Mead, Berthoud, Johnstown and Loveland. The High Plains Boulevard Coalition discussed the need for another north/south corridor east of I-25 since the I-25 widening improvements will encompass the existing frontage road right-of-way and therefore, High Plains Boulevard would continue to ensure access to existing properties from CO 66 to U.S. 34.
“This project will provide the traveling public another north-south route throughout a heavy- traffic portion of our county and Northern Colorado,” said Curtis Hall, Director of the Weld County Department of Public Works. “We’re pleased to receive this grant, which we believe will enhance safety, mobility and efficiency.”
“We are excited to see the Town of Johnstown construct portions of High Plains Boulevard being in the northern portion of the corridor. This project is the first southern segment to be constructed within this multimodal corridor that will serve travelers for years to come,” said Elizabeth Relford, who submitted the grant as Deputy Director of Public Works and helped facilitate the coalition meetings. “We believe this project will be a benefit the entire northern region.”
The first segment of High Plains Boulevard will be designed and constructed by an outside contractor, chosen at a later date. Construction is expected to be complete by Dec. 31, 2025.
Learn more about High Plains Boulevard.