US 34 and US 36 Resurfacing
About the Project
The Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor Simon Construction will resume work in early April on the US 34 and US 36 Resurfacing Project after the winter pause. The anticipated date of completion is late May 2025.
The construction work will involve the following:
- Milling
- Paving
- Improving roadway approaches
- Updating access points along:
- US 36/Moraine Avenue, from Marys Lake Road to Park River Place (MP 4.9 to 6.2)
- US 34/Big Thompson Avenue, from US 36/North Saint Vrain Avenue to Mall Road (MP 62 to 65).
Crews will begin milling and paving on US 36/Moraine Avenue near Marys Lake Road to Park River Place (Mile Point 4.9 to 6.2).
Following construction work on US 36, crews will begin milling and paving on US 34/Big Thompson Avenue, from Mall Road to US 36/North Saint Vrain Avenue (MP 62 to 65).
The first phase of the project involved constructing a retaining wall east of River Rock Circle to prevent soil from eroding the roadway and spilling into the river on US 36A/Moraine Avenue. The second phase focused on improvements for Americans with Disabilities compliance, which included installing accessible curb ramps at the intersections of US 36/Moraine Avenue and Marys Lake Road, US 36/North Saint Vrain Avenue and US 34/Big Thompson Avenue and on East Elkhorn Avenue. These upgrades ensure that sidewalks, street crossings and pedestrian pathways are accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Work this Week & Lane Closure US 34/US 36 Resurfacing
Project Facts
- Construction Cost: $10 Million
- Contractor: Simon
- Timeline: February through late 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 to MP 65
- US 36: MP 4.97 to MP 6.2
- County: Larimer
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.
Travel Impacts:
- Daytime work hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday
- US 34/Big Thompson Avenue between Dry Gulch Road and Mall Road - Traffic will be reduced to a single lane with alternating travel guided by flaggers
- US 34/Big Thompson Avenue between US 36/North Saint Vrain Avenue and Dry Gulch Road - One lane of traffic will remain open in each direction
- US 36/Moraine Avenue – Traffic will be reduced to a single lane with alternating travel guided by flaggers
- Construction vehicles will be entering and exiting the work area
- The work schedule is weather-dependent and subject to change
- Weekend work may be required to maintain the project schedule
