Residents and commuters in Greeley, Colorado, are gearing up for disruptions as the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and TLM Contractors are set to quickly begin replacing concrete panels on US Highway 85 Business (8th Avenue). Covering the stretch from 5th Street to O Street, the project aims to address the worn-out condition of the roadway and is scheduled for completion by late October this year.
CDOT's initiative, as stated on their website, will focus on mitigating further deterioration by removing the old concrete and laying down new slabs. To complement the efforts, asphalt shoulders will be freshened up with hot mix asphalt, and new curb ramps will be installed along the corridor. Heather Paddock, CDOT Regional Transportation Director, emphasized the importance of the route, which doubles as a city street, when she said, "This work will extend the lifespan of the road and enable smooth travel for all traffic in town and those travelling through," as per CDOT. Her comments highlight the essential nature of this infrastructure work but also serve to remind locals of the imminent inconveniences.
With construction primarily taking place between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, and the possibility of weekend work, the project will inevitably cause traffic disruptions. Northbound and southbound lanes of US 85 Business will see daily closures, and motorists are strongly encouraged to use the US 85 bypass as an alternative route. "Please use extreme caution when driving through the construction zone," as obtained by CDOT, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and adherence to traffic control guidance during this period.
The schedule, however, remains weather-dependent and could quickly change. For those planning to navigate the area, information on road conditions and travel impacts is readily available on CDOT resources such as COtrip.org or by downloading their COtrip Planner app. Speed limits will be reduced in the construction zone, and the influx of construction vehicles will likely test the daily commute. Commuters can also stay updated by signing up for project or travel alerts and checking scheduled construction lane closures on the CDOT website.
