Access changes start July 13 at US 85 and WCR 33 intersection

Travel Advisory

July 5, 2022 - Northeastern Colorado - Starting July 13, WCR 33 will close immediately east of US 85.

Weld County - The Colorado Department of Transportation is constructing a new interchange at U.S. Highway 85 and Weld County Road 44. The next phase of work requires access changes at the US 85 and WCR 33 intersection. Starting July 13, WCR 33 will close immediately east of US 85.

The closure of WCR 33 east of US 85 is part of the final project design and will not reopen to traffic. Access to businesses located on Niobrara Road will be maintained from WCR 44.

When complete in fall 2023, the new interchange will improve safety, eliminate interaction between vehicle traffic and the Union Pacific Railroad, and provide efficient access control. “Constructing the WCR 44 interchange and a new structure over UPRR are major priorities for our region. They will be the last step in completing the much larger safety project along US 85. WCR33 & WCR44 are two of 12 major RR crossings being removed to eliminate vehicle and train conflicts. In partnership with Weld County, UPRR and other local municipalities on the corridor, accidents, injuries and sometimes fatalities due to these crossings, will now be prevented,” said CDOT Region 4 Transportation Director Heather Paddock.

Work on the interchange started in early 2022. The new bridge pier is now in place west of US 85. Crews will continue work on the bridge while simultaneously hauling and placing embankment material for the new southbound US 85 ramps.

Jalisco International was awarded a $28-million contract to construct the new interchange. US 85 will remain open during construction. Since most construction activity will take place adjacent to the highway, only infrequent traffic impacts are anticipated on US 85. Daily lane closures are expected for the next few weeks to prepare for an upcoming traffic shift.

General work hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with occasional extended hours and weekend work. Drivers should expect trucks entering and exiting the work zone. Frequent truck trips are

anticipated for several months to haul fill material to the site. Construction schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. Weekly updates are available on the project web page.

Stay Informed

For additional information about this project, contact the project team.