US 34 and US 36 Resurfacing

About the Project

The highway resurfacing project has not been completed as planned and must suspend construction activities for a winter shutdown. This pause is essential to ensure the safety of both the traveling public and work crews during winter weather.

Work is set to resume in the spring of 2025 on US 36/Moraine Avenue and US 34/Big Thompson Avenue. The completion date of the project is late May 2025.

The first phase of the project involved constructing a retaining wall east of Riverrock Circle to prevent soil from eroding the roadway and spilling into the river on US 36A/Moraine Avenue. The second phase, which began in the spring, focused on upgrading ADA-compliant curb ramps at the intersections of US 36/Moraine Avenue and Mary’s Lake Road, US 36/North St. Vrain Avenue and US 34/Big Thompson Avenue, and East Elkhorn Avenue. These upgrades ensure that sidewalks, street crossings, and pedestrian pathways are accessible for individuals 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