US 34 and US 287 Intersection Safety Improvement Project

In 2023, the City of Loveland Public Works Department prioritized improving the intersection of US 34 and US 287—one of the City’s most heavily traveled and critical roadways. This intersection, located in the heart of Loveland, is a crucial connector for regional commuters and local traffic. Addressing safety, reducing congestion, and enhancing bike and pedestrian accessibility were identified as essential goals to meet the needs of our growing community.

In 2024, these efforts gained significant momentum when the City was awarded nearly $3.2 million in Federal Highway Administration funding through a Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG). This substantial investment enables Loveland to modernize infrastructure and create a safer, more efficient transportation hub that accommodates all modes of travel, ensuring a vibrant and accessible City for everyone.

Project Vision

In 2023, the City of Loveland brought together a dedicated team of engineers, planners, and professional consultants to study the traffic patterns, safety concerns, and operational needs at the US 34 and US 287 intersections. Through detailed analysis, the team identified several promising infrastructure solutions to address the corridor’s growing transportation demands and challenges. Over the coming years, these efforts will focus on designing improvements such as additional turn lanes, enhanced traffic safety measures, and upgraded infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists, and other transit modes.

Project Goals

Improve Safety and Operation for all Users

• Reduce the number of vehicular collisions
• Improve pedestrian, bike and multimodal traffic elements
• Offer better protection at mid-crossing safety zones
• Increase capacity for vehicular turning movements
• Remove obstructive sight angles on approach and at turning movements

Maintain and Highlight the Integrity of Historic Loveland

• Build upon the unique Downtown Loveland identity
• Provide more wayfinding markers towards Loveland Downtown
• Limit project impacts and minimize need for additional ROW
• Develop an engaging and unique streetscape
• Incorporate art and culture in design
• Preserve and maintain the historic Washington Elm tree and Daughters of American Revolution Historic Marker

Focus on Economic Vitality

• Catalyze businesses with better transportation accessibility
• Create effective phasing plans to minimize construction disruption
• Connect business to Loveland Economic Development resources
• Provide for sustained stakeholder engagement
• Create inviting place for broad demographics to stimulate diverse businesses

Roadway History and Analysis

• 1997 - Loveland East-West Mobility Study identified the intersection of US 34 and US 287 as an essential linkage for destinations to and from Loveland. Prepared concepts to address improvements in a long-range 20-year plan.
• 2006 - Traffic evaluation conducted for the one-way streets of US 287 in the downtown corridor.
• 2007 - Environmental Impact Evaluation (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) addresses a high-level design study for the US 34 Corridor between US 287 and County Road 3.
• 2017 - Detailed traffic studies and analysis were conducted for the US 34 & US 287 intersections with preliminary concepts.
• 2017 - US 287 Asset Inventory provides a synopsis of regional mobility data for US 287 from Fort Collins to Boulder.
• 2019 - Planning and Environmental Linkage (PEL) Study and Access Control Plan (ACP) provides detailed design plans for the US 34 Corridor between US 287 and County Road 3.
• 2023 - CDOT presents US 34 and US 287 as 11^th ranked priority for Region 4 Intersection Improvements.
• 2023 - A speed study analyzed speeds, crash history and traffic analysis for US 287 through Loveland.

Project Funding

As early as 2017, the City of Loveland proposed several preliminary concepts to address the growing infrastructure needs at the US 34 and US 287 intersection. At that time, the preferred alternative was estimated to cost over $13 million for design and construction.

In 2023, the City secured a $3,168,000 Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) from the Federal Highway Administration to advance intersection improvements. Efforts are now underway to identify additional grant opportunities to fully fund this vital project.

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