US 34 and US 36 Resurfacing

About the Project:

The Colorado Department of Transportation began overnight paving operations on US Highway 34/Big Thompson Avenue. US 34, near Mall Road to US 36/North St. Vrain Avenue will be milled and paved. Nightwork alleviates roadway congestion. Repaving improves safety and extends pavement lifespan, with milling and resurfacing required every 10 to 15 years.

The anticipated completion date for US 34 paving is late October. Due to unforeseen issues with the project, it will be delayed and will experience a winter shutdown until approximately April 2025. After the shutdown, the construction work will resume on US 36/Moraine Avenue. The project is expected to be completed by late May 2025.

The first project phase included constructing a retaining wall, east of Riverrock Circle, to prevent erosion on US 36A/Moraine Avenue. The second phase began in the spring, which included ADA-compliant curb ramp upgrades at the intersections of US 36A and Mary’s Lake Road, US 36/North St. Vrain Avenue, and East Elkhorn Avenue. These ramps ensure sidewalks, street crossings, and pedestrian pathways are accessible to people with disabilities.

Project Benefits

Benefits of constructing the retaining wall include:

• Enhanced road stability: The retaining wall will significantly reduce erosion along US 36, ensuring the roadway remains stable, maintaining structural integrity during periods of high-water flows.
• Safety improvements: By reinforcing the road, the project will create a safer travel experience for motorists by minimizing the risk of road collapse or unexpected road surface irregularities.
• Long-term cost savings: Investing in a retaining wall now will mitigate the need for frequent, costly road repairs in the future, due to ongoing erosion issues.
• Environmental protection: By reducing the impact on the surrounding land and habitat, it helps preserve the natural beauty of the Big Thompson River area.
• Resilience against extreme weather: The structure will provide added protection against erosion from the river and the effects of extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall or snowmelt, ensuring the road remains passable and safe during such conditions.
• Minimized traffic disruptions: By addressing the root cause of the road damage, the retaining wall will reduce the likelihood of future road closures for repair work, leading to fewer traffic disruptions and delays.

Work this Week & Lane Closure US 34/US 36 Resurfacing

Project Facts

• Construction Cost: $10 Million
• Contractor: Simon
• Timeline: February through May 2025
• Location: US 34A from North Saint Vrain Avenue to Mall Road and US 36A from CO 66 to West Elkhorn Avenue 
  • Nearest Town/City: Estes Park
  • Mile Point(s):
    • US 34: MP 62.5 to MP 64.5
    • US 36: MP 4.97 to MP 6.2
  • County: Larimer