Concrete panel replacement begins Oct. 2 on I-25 between Fort Collins and Owl Canyon Road

Project Update

September 21, 2023 - Northeastern Colorado - Goal is to make for a smoother ride north of town

Larimer County – Starting Oct. 2, the Colorado Department of Transportation will begin a concrete panel replacement and diamond grinding project on the northbound lanes of I-25 near Fort Collins.

Diamond grinding is simply grinding the existing pavement - concrete in this case. It is done to smooth the roadway by taking out the bumps or pavement variability, whether it is due to settling or cracking. A smoother ride is a better driver experience and it also lessens the damage to the road from bouncing vehicles.

Concrete panels that are cracked, broken, and not seated properly will be replaced to mitigate further deterioration of the road.

The initial phase will begin with diamond grinding the concrete on northbound I-25 just north of the CO 14 exit. Construction will include single-lane closures of up to 1.5 miles in length. After finishing each segment, construction will progress north to the next 1.5-mile section. The concrete panel replacement on the northbound side is to be performed concurrent with the diamond grinding operation.

Phase two will begin in April 2024. This will finish out the remaining concrete sawing and sealing and final pavement markings on I-25 north. At the same time, work will begin on the southbound lanes on I-25 south where concrete panels will be replaced, followed by diamond grinding and concrete sawing and sealing. The full project repairs with diamond grinding and sawing and sealing will be from CO 14 in Fort Collins to Owl Canyon Road in Wellington.

“Improving roadways is a priority for CDOT. Upkeep of sub-base and concrete pavement is a critical aspect of ensuring road safety,” said CDOT Northeast Regional Transportation Director Heather Paddock. “By rehabilitating roads, we extend their lifespan and preserve them in their original state, while also enabling efficient and convenient travel along the interstate.”

Improvements include concrete panel removal and replacement, joint sealing to minimize the effects of surface water infiltration, full depth roadway repair in sections that are damaged beyond pothole filling, and pavement markings.

Travel Impacts

  • Daytime work hours are from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
  • Single lane closures will be 24 hours a day, beginning each Monday at 7 a.m. to Friday 5 p.m. There will be no lane closures on the weekends
  • Nighttime work hours may occur from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
  • 11’ width restriction will be in place when the lane closures are in effect
  • Speed limit of 55 MPH through the construction zone
  • Construction trucks entering and exiting the work zone

Project Contact Information

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

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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