Bridge replacement to be aided by $3 million in grant funding
Published on May 08, 2026
The cost of a bridge replacement to Weld County Government was lessened last week, when the Weld County Board of Commissioners accepted a $3 million grant to go toward construction.
Initially, $500,000 was the amount awarded for the replacement of Bridge 19/46.5A, a bridge crossing the Little Thompson River between Milliken and Johnstown. A grant amendment accepted by the board added an additional $2.5 million — bringing the total grant award to $3 million. The funds will offset some of the cost associated with the $11 million project.
“Transportation infrastructure projects are of great importance to both residents and visitors,” said Scott James Weld County Commissioner Chair. “There is a cost to every project, however, and grants like these go a long way in helping us reduce some of that expense while delivering the best improvements possible.”
The grant was awarded by the Special Highway Committee (SHC) through Colorado Counties Inc. (CCI). The SHC is an advisory committee that helps oversee the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Off-System Bridge Program by helping identify county and municipal bridges statewide requiring rehabilitation and awarding funding through CCI or the Colorado Municipal League.
Originally built in 1960, Bridge 19/46.5A was impacted during the 2013 flood when it was submerged under two- to three-feet of water. While the bridge is still safe, it’s been ruled functionally obsolete and in need of replacement. Functionally obsolete bridges are not unsafe, but they do not meet many of the standards used in bridge building today and may lack many of the features — lane width, shoulder width, vertical clearance, etc. — to meet current traffic demand. The new bridge will be built to withstand a 100-year flood event, meaning it will be substantially higher to promote floodwater passing under the bridge rather than over the top. The improvement will also bring wider shoulders to the bridge, which spans over 230 feet.
As 3,000 vehicles currently cross the bridge daily, Weld County Public Works Director Curtis Hall is pleased to see the capital improvement project moving forward.
“This bridge project is a major one and will help us accomplish two goals: enhance safety and efficiency and make the bridge more resistant to flooding — both are assets to the traveling public and taxpayers,” Hall said.
An outside contractor will complete construction. When one is selected, it will be announced on the county’s Facebook and X pages.