Emergency repair for the Brush Lateral Canal along US 34 starts today

Travel Advisory

December 5, 2022 - Northeastern Colorado - This work will require full closure of the westbound lane for crews to safely work in the ditch

Morgan County — The Colorado Department of Transportation has secured federal funds to begin emergency repairs on the Brush Lateral Canal along US 34 between Morgan County Roads 25 and 27.

This work will require full closure of the westbound lane for crews to safely work in the ditch. All eastbound traffic will be detoured, and westbound traffic will remain on US 34. This project will be completed by June 2023.

R4 Brush lateral canal emergency repair project location in Morgan County on US 34

Water from this section of the Brush Lateral Canal is eroding the soils underneath the roadway shoulder of US 34, causing it to sink. The paving will be removed and replaced with sheet piles, which are sections of metal sheet material with interlocking edges that are driven into the ground to assist in providing earth retention and excavation support. The sheet piles will deter water from saturating under the roadway and prevent the erosion from happening, while shoring up that portion of the roadway. This will strengthen and reinforce the canal wall and keep the canal in top condition so it can continue to store and supply water for irrigation.

“This project is a result of securing federal emergency funding to make sure our roadways remain safe for the traveling public.” Said Heather Paddock, Regional Transportation Director. “This stretch of roadway is used to transport important agricultural and freight resources as well as the traveling public.”

R4 Brush lateral canal emergency repair detour in Morgan County. Westbound traffic will remain open along US 34. Eastbound lanes will be closed 24/7 while repairs are being made and will reopen once the project is complete.

Travel Impacts

  • Daytime work hours will be from sunup to sundown, Monday through Friday with some work occurring during the weekend if needed
  • On Monday, Dec. 5, alternating single lane closures will be placed to allow for temporary striping along this section of roadway
  • On Tuesday, Dec. 6, eastbound traffic will begin the detour. This configuration will be maintained until late spring

Detour

  • Eastbound traffic will be detoured at CR 24 north to I-76 east to CO 71 south and rejoin US 34

Project Contact Information

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!

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