For those commuting in the Mead area, prepare to adjust your routes as the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has announced a temporary full closure of Weld County Road 32 under I-25. This closure, according to CDOT, is scheduled to kick in from Monday, Feb. 3, through Thursday, Feb. 6, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. The shutdown will allow construction crews to safely install new bridge caissons necessary for the I-25 North Express Lanes Project.
The I-25 North Express Lanes expansion is aiming to reduce future traffic snarls by widening and rebuilding bridges, a move that's expected to hopefully make a smoother ride for those traveling from Mead to Berthoud. To quickly get through this portion of their work, CDOT has chosen to completely close the road under I-25 to enhance safety for both the public and their construction teams. Detours will direct westbound travelers on WCR 32 to take alternative routes via the East I-25 Frontage Road, Mulligan Street, and County Road 9.5, ultimately leading back to WCR 32. Eastbound traffic will be rerouted similarly, with instructions to use WCR 7, CO 66, and WCR 9.5.
Those accustomed to zipping along WCR 32 will need to plan for the mentioned detours and possible delays. The CDOT statement was clear on the impact, "Motorists should follow posted detours." These detours and the entire construction schedule, of course, will be subject to weather conditions which in Colorado can be predictably unpredictable.
To avoid any surprise gridlock, CDOT urges drivers to "know before you go." Before heading out, travelers should check COtrip.org for real-time road conditions or download the COtrip Planner app for the latest travel updates. For more dedicated content, CDOT also offers a signup for weekly project updates you might just want to especially keep tabs on this project considering the phased construction is set to wrap in 2028, meaning intermittent inconveniences might become a regular item on your commute menu.
