US 34 and Taft Avenue Intersection Improvement Project

The US 34 and Taft Avenue Intersection Improvement Project has completed Phase 3a and will open north of US 34 and Taft Avenue to the traveling public today. The project will temporarily enter a winter shutdown before Christmas into spring 2025.

Winter shutdown

Due to low temperatures and potential snow during the winter months, applying new asphalt is not feasible. Additionally, asphalt plants temporarily shut down during this time. In Colorado, construction activity typically slows or pauses in winter due to weather-related impacts on progress. As a result, this project will pause until spring 2025, when warmer conditions are ideal for completing the remaining road work.

New lanes added on north Taft Avenue

To align with the new southbound roadway on Taft Avenue, additional lanes will be added north of the intersection at US 34 and Taft Avenue:

• A new through and right turning lane to head south on Taft Avenue or west on US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard
• Two dual left turning lanes to head east on US34
• Two through lanes to head north on Taft Avenue
• One through lane to head south on Taft Avenue

The City encourages commuters to continue to drive carefully through the intersection to adjust to these new changes. On Thursday, Dec. 12, from 1 to 2 p.m., weather permitting, crews will temporarily stop traffic to apply striping at the intersection for the new lanes. During this time, flaggers will be onsite to help monitor traffic flows; however, commuters should expect delays during this time.

What’s next for the project in 2025?

Phase 3a involved several key improvements, including the repair of aging waterline, wastewater, and storm drain pipelines on Taft Avenue from N. Taft Avenue to 18th Street. It also addressed an emergency storm drain repair between 22nd Street and 25th Street, the demolition of the Safeway parking lot to accommodate roadway widening, and the installation of six new streetlights on Taft Avenue and US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard.

Phase 3b will focus on completing the remaining curb, gutter, and ADA sidewalk repairs, along with widening N. Taft Avenue to align with the existing southbound roadway on Taft Avenue. To facilitate this work, a full closure of N. Taft Avenue north of US 34 may be necessary.

Once Phase 3b is complete, the project will transition to Phase 4, which includes reinstalling medians and striping on US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard between Westshore Drive and Prospect Avenue. The entire project is expected to be completed by July 2025

Additional project details including detour maps, images and other project updates, can be found at letstalkloveland.org/us34-and-taft-intersection-improvements. Residents who wish to sign up for weekly project updates, receive the latest information, or contact the project team can email taftus34improvement@getinfonow.us or call 970-599-7788.

About 

The US 34 and Taft Avenue Intersection Improvement Project was introduced to the Loveland City Council in 1999. Throughout the years, the biggest hurdle for the project has been funding. The City found different funding sources to move the project forward over the years and is now able to move forward with allocated funding dedicated to the project. The City has acquired and demolished the homes along the west side of Taft Avenue from 11th Street to US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard. In order to accomplish the improvements to widen Taft Avenue, additional rights-of-way and easements were required. The City acquired these properties to meet construction schedules and progress with an anticipated summer 2024 construction date—all of which is necessary to leverage federal grant funding opportunities. 

Project Funding 

The US 34 and Taft Avenue Intersection Improvement Project is funded by multiple funding streams collected over the past 10 years to move the project forward (2013-2023). Those funding streams include grants, TABOR, General Fund, Capital Expansion Fees and the Water Enterprise Fund. To learn more about the budget for this project, visit letstalkloveland.org/us34-and-taft-intersection-improvements. 

In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, work for the US 34 and Taft Avenue Intersection Improvement project will not occur on Thursday, Nov. 28 - Friday, Nov. 29.

Starting Monday, Dec. 2, Loveland Water and Power (LWP) will install three streetlights near the Village Inn Shopping Center. There will be no expected disruption to power for businesses or residents in the area while this work is completed; however, those experiencing electrical issues during installation should contact Javier Herrera from LWP at 970-962-3576.

Streetlight installation schedule and locations:

• Monday, Dec. 2, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the first streetlight poles will be installed in front of Luke’s Auto Care.
• Tuesday, Dec. 3, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the second and third streetlight poles will be installed near the Village Shopping Center sign and the Village Inn Restaurant.
• The schedule is weather-dependent and may be extended to Wednesday, Dec. 4.

For updates about the project or to contact the project team, please call the project hotline at 970-599-7788 or email taftusimprovement@getinfonow.us.

Thank you for your continued patience and support as we improve Loveland's infrastructure.

The US 34 and Taft Avenue Intersection Improvement Project has completed Phase 2 and will proceed with a full Phase 3 on Monday, Nov. 4, weather dependent.

Phase 2 included the repair of aging waterline and valves beneath the south edge of US 34 and Taft Avenue to 11th Street, as well as adding bike lanes, ADA sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and two lefthand turn lanes on the south side of Taft Avenue and US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard.

New traffic control configuration for Phase 3

As Phase 3 proceeds with operations, a new traffic control configuration will be installed along US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard from Westshore Drive to Prospect Avenue. The new traffic control will include new striping to allow crews to work on the north side of US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard and Taft Avenue. Restriping is estimated to begin on Monday, Nov. 4, from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., weather dependent. Crews will work at night to minimize traffic impacts; however, commuters should expect delays. Flaggers will be onsite to help direct traffic during working hours.

Phase 3 traffic impacts:

• A full closure of N. Taft Avenue from US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard to 18th Street. The closure will remain until Phase 3 is completed.
• Barriers will be installed from Westshore Drive to Wendy’s to allow crews to reconstruct the sidewalks, curb and gutters along US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard.
• Demolition of a portion of the Safeway parking lot will allow for the widening of N. Taft Avenue to add a new right-turn lane and dual left turning lanes.
• Traffic is encouraged to detour to the following routes:
  1. Westbound traffic on US34/Eisenhower Boulevard will be diverted before the work area to Lincoln Avenue/US 287, with the option to use 29th Street or 1st Street.
  2. Eastbound traffic on US34/Eisenhower Boulevard will be diverted before the work area to Wilson Avenue, with the option to use 29th Street or 1st Street.

South of US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard and Taft Avenue fully opens

As operations shift to the north side of US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard and the traffic control configuration begins on Monday, Nov. 4, weather permitting, commuters heading south on N. Taft Avenue can expect the following:

• Traveling east on US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard, drivers will be able to use the right turning lane to head south on N. Taft Avenue. Additionally, the left turning lane to enter the Safeway parking lot will be restored.
• Traveling west on US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard, drivers will be able to turn left at the traffic signal to head south on N. Taft Avenue.
• Traveling north on N. Taft Avenue, drivers will be limited to using single left and right turning lanes while there’s a full closure of N. Taft Avenue from US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard to 18th Street.
• Traveling south on N. Taft Avenue from US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard, drivers will be able to fully access the two through lanes.

As drivers get accustomed to the new roadway, they should stay alert and monitor speed limits accordingly.

Additional project details including detour maps, images and other project updates, can be found at letstalkloveland.org/us34-and-taft-intersection-improvements. Residents who wish to sign up for weekly project updates, receive the latest information, or contact the project team can email taftus34improvement@getinfonow.us or call 970-599-7788.

About

The US 34 and Taft Avenue Intersection Improvement Project was introduced to the Loveland City Council in 1999. Throughout the years, the biggest hurdle for the project has been funding. The City found different funding sources to move the project forward over the years and is now able to move forward with allocated funding dedicated to the project. The City has acquired and demolished the homes along the west side of Taft Avenue from 11th Street to US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard. In order to accomplish the improvements to widen Taft Avenue, additional rights-of-way and easements were required. The City acquired these properties to meet construction schedules and progress with an anticipated summer 2024 construction date—all of which is necessary to leverage federal grant funding opportunities.

Project Funding

The US 34 and Taft Avenue Intersection Improvement Project is funded by multiple funding streams collected over the past 10 years to move the project forward (2013-2023). Those funding streams include grants, TABOR, General Fund, Capital Expansion Fees and the Water Enterprise Fund. To learn more about the budget for this project, visit letstalkloveland.org/us34-and-taft-intersection-improvements.

Fall is a busy time for the City’s Taft/34 Intersection Improvement project as both utility work and transportation work move forward. On Tuesday, Oct. 15, the City of Loveland will begin Phase 3 construction for the US 34 and Taft Avenue Intersection Improvement project. Daytime work will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Completion of this work is anticipated by the end of November, weather permitting. Here is what you need to know about traffic closures, detours and work that is happening.

What road closures and traffic impacts can we expect?

• Starting Tuesday, Oct. 15, N. Taft Avenue will be closed at the intersection to W. 18th Street.
• Local access will be maintained for the surrounding neighborhood and business access will remain open along US34/Eisenhower Boulevard.
• Throughout construction, commuters can expect delays and are encouraged to plan accordingly to allow enough time for their commute.
• Taft Avenue will be closed in both directions for approximately one week.
• Southbound Taft Avenue from the intersection to 8th Street is anticipated to be fully open the week of Oct. 21. A target date is projected by Friday, Oct. 25.

What are the detours?

• Westbound traffic on US34/Eisenhower Boulevard will be diverted before the work area to Lincoln Avenue/US 287, with the option to use 29th Street or 1st Street.
• Eastbound traffic on US34/Eisenhower Boulevard will be diverted before the work area to Wilson Avenue, with the option to use 29th Street or 1st Street.
• Pedestrian and bike detour: Westshore Drive to N. Colorado Avenue to 8th Street or 18th Street to Van Buren Avenue to 8th Street.

Why are both south and north Taft Avenue accesses closed for a week?

• To fully open southbound Taft Avenue, Public Works will complete the remaining ADA sidewalk repairs, curb, gutter and striping. While Public Works is preparing to open southbound Taft Avenue, Water and Power will complete the remaining sanitary sewer work on northbound Taft Avenue. Water and Power’s portion of the US 34 and Taft Avenue Improvement project will be completed by the end of the month.

What work is being completed during Phase 3?

• Construction will involve completing Loveland Water and Power’s water valve replacement and sanitary sewer line from the US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard and Taft intersection to 18th Street. Public Works’ transportation improvement work will includes adding a right turn lane from the Safeway parking lot to US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard, adding bike lanes, ADA-compliant sidewalks, curb and gutter installations and two left-turn lanes on both sides of Taft Avenue onto US 34.

When will Phase 3 be completed?

• Phase 3 is anticipated to be completed by the end of November, weather permitting.

What’s next for the project?

• Starting Monday, Oct. 21, Public Works’ Stormwater Division, will repair a failed stormwater pipe on US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard between Colorado Avenue and Westshore Drive. This work will be completed in approximately four weeks. At the end of October, the crews will complete emergency stormwater repairs along Lake Loveland between W 22nd Street W 25th Street. The work will be completed in approximately four weeks.
• After the completion of Phase 3, Phase 4 of the project will pause until spring 2025. During Phase 4, Public Works will reinstall the medians, ADA sidewalks, curb and gutter along US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard from Westshore Drive to Prospect Avenue.

Where can I learn more about the project?

• For additional project details, detour maps, and updates, visit letstalkloveland.org/us34-and-taft-intersection-improvements. Residents who wish to sign up for weekly project updates, receive the latest information, or contact the project team can email taftus34improvement@getinfonow.us or 970-599-7788. If you see water line emergencies, please call 970-962-3456.

About

The US 34 and Taft Avenue Intersection Improvement Project was introduced to the Loveland City Council in 1999. Throughout the years, the biggest hurdle for the project has been funding. The City found different funding sources to move the project forward over the years and is now able to move forward with allocated funding dedicated to the project. The City has acquired and demolished the homes along the west side of Taft Avenue from 11th Street to US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard. To accomplish the improvements to widen Taft Avenue, additional rights-of-way and easements were required. The City acquired these properties to meet construction schedules and progress with an anticipated summer 2024 construction date—all of which is necessary to leverage federal grant funding opportunities.

Project Funding

The US 34 and Taft Avenue Intersection Improvement Project is funded by multiple funding streams collected over the past 10 years to move the project forward (2013-2023). Those funding streams include grants, TABOR, General Fund, Capital Expansion Fees and the Water Enterprise Fund. To learn more about the budget for this project, visit letstalkloveland.org/us34-and-taft-intersection-improvements.

LOVELAND, Colo. – September 25, 2024 –Loveland Water and Power (LWP) crews will close 18^th Street from Abeyta Court to North Taft Avenue for three weeks to replace a waterline in phase 3 of the US 34 and Taft Avenue improvement project. Local traffic will be allowed access but through traffic will not be permitted. Traffic is encouraged to detour to the following routes:

• Westbound traffic on US34/Eisenhower Boulevard will be diverted before the work area to Lincoln Avenue/US 287, with the option to use 29th Street or 1st Street.
• Eastbound traffic on US34/Eisenhower Boulevard will be diverted before the work area to Wilson Avenue, with the option to use 29th Street or 1st Street.

Crews will install a large meter vault near 18^th Street and connect the new water line to the existing cast iron water line beneath Taft Avenue and 18^th Street. This upgrade will enhance reliability and support future growth.

Additional project details including detour maps, images and project updates, can be found at letstalkloveland.org/us34-and-taft-intersection-improvements. Residents who wish to sign up for weekly project updates, receive the latest information, or contact the project team can email taftus34improvement@getinfonow.us or call 970-599-7788. If you see waterline emergencies, please call 970-962-3456.

As construction progresses for Phase 2, a new traffic control configuration will be implemented for 6-7 weeks. The transition to the new traffic control configuration will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 3, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Traffic control personnel will be on site to assist motorists through the intersection during the transition.

The new traffic control configuration will allow crews to complete the remaining work on the south side of Taft Avenue and US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard. The new configuration will include the following:

• New striping will be installed for the two traveling lanes heading eastbound and westbound on US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard. Orange barrels will be placed in the middle of the road to separate eastbound and westbound traffic.
• Concrete barriers will be installed on the south side of US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard heading east to protect the work zone from approximately Prospect Avenue (the Starbucks entrance) to Westshore Drive.
• To ensure safe traffic flow and to abide by the Colorado Department of Transportation's US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard access control plan, the left-turn lanes after the Safeway shopping center heading westbound on US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard and the Village Inn shopping center heading eastbound on US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard will be permanently closed as part of this transition. The two lanes of traffic will remain open in each direction, and business access along US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard will remain open.

While the new traffic control configuration is installed, traffic is encouraged to detour to the following routes:

• Westbound traffic on US34/Eisenhower Boulevard will be diverted before the work area to Lincoln Avenue/US 287, with the option to use 29th Street or 1st Street.
• Eastbound traffic on US34/Eisenhower Boulevard will be diverted before the work area to Wilson Avenue, with the option to use 29th Street or 1st Street.

Additional project details including detour maps, images and other project updates, can be found at letstalkloveland.org/us34-and-taft-intersection-improvements. Residents or businesses who wish to sign up for weekly project updates, receive the latest information, or contact the project team can email taftus34improvement@getinfonow.us or call the project hotline at 970-599-7788. If you see water line emergencies, please call 970-962-3456. 

Thank you for your continued support as we improve the City’s transportation, water and power infrastructure. 

The US 34 and Taft Avenue Intersection Improvement Project has completed Phase 1 and will proceed with a full Phase 2, which includes new waterline work from US 34 and Taft Avenue to 18^th Street, beginning Monday, Aug. 26.

Phase 1 included transportation work by removing the medians and light poles to realign the traffic at the intersection of US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard and Taft Avenue. For water and power improvements, crews replaced aging water valves and water mains at the intersection, as well as installing new traffic signal poles, electrical and communications utility work by pulling wire beneath US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard. Phase 2 included the repair of aging waterline and valves beneath the south edge of US 34 and Taft Avenue to 11th Street, which was completed this week. Public Works will continue construction on S. Taft Avenue to 8th Street by adding bike lanes, ADA sidewalks, curbs, gutters, as well as two additional lefthand turn lanes on both northbound and southbound Taft Avenue.

Traffic Impacts

• The full closure of S. Taft Avenue from US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard to 8th Street remains closed and is expected to be completed this fall.
• The City’s utilities team will progress with the second portion of Phase 2 by installing new waterlines from US 34 and Taft Avenue to 18^th Street. Waterline construction will begin at the intersection and move north towards 18th Street. Residents can expect a “soft” closure at W. 15th Street, Ruart Drive, and Westshore Drive, with local access only.
• Commuters traveling N. Taft Avenue can expect single lane closures with one lane of traffic remaining open in each direction, heading southbound and northbound. Traffic control personnel will be staged at the construction zone to direct local and commuting traffic.
• Traffic is encouraged to detour to the following routes:
  1. Westbound traffic on US34/Eisenhower Boulevard will be diverted before the work area to Lincoln Avenue/US 287, with the option to use 29th Street or 1st Street.
  2. Eastbound traffic on US34/Eisenhower Boulevard will be diverted before the work area to Wilson Avenue, with the option to use 29th Street or 1st Street.

Phase 2 daytime work will be Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Night and weekend work will be occasional and announced in advance. Phase 2 is anticipated to be completed by mid-October, weather permitting.

The remaining phases of the project include the following:

• Phase 3 will include a full closure of Taft Avenue from US34/Eisenhower Boulevard to 22nd Street. The closure is currently planned for late fall. For this phase, there will be daytime construction from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Local access will be maintained for the surrounding neighborhood and businesses during the closure. Business access will remain open on US34/Eisenhower Boulevard and Taft Avenue. Construction will temporarily pause for the winter months.
• Phase 4 will include asphalt paving on US34/Eisenhower Boulevard from Prospect Avenue to Harlow Lane. Construction will resume in spring 2025. During construction, the public will be limited to single-lane closures. Night work will be performed for this phase. Traffic should expect delays while navigating the area. Business access will remain open throughout Phase 4.

Additional project details including detour maps, images and other project updates, can be found at letstalkloveland.org/us34-and-taft-intersection-improvements. Residents who wish to sign up for weekly project updates, receive the latest information, or contact the project team can email taftus34improvement@getinfonow.us or call 970-599-7788. If you see waterline emergencies, please call 970-962-3456.

About

The US 34 and Taft Avenue Intersection Improvement Project was introduced to the Loveland City Council in 1999. Throughout the years, the biggest hurdle for the project has been funding. The City found different funding sources to move the project forward over the years and is now able to move forward with allocated funding dedicated to the project. The City has acquired and demolished the homes along the west side of Taft Avenue from 11th Street to US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard. In order to accomplish the improvements to widen Taft Avenue, additional rights-of-way and easements were required. The City acquired these properties to meet construction schedules and progress with an anticipated summer 2024 construction date—all of which is necessary to leverage federal grant funding opportunities.

Project Funding

The US 34 and Taft Avenue Intersection Improvement Project is funded by multiple funding streams collected over the past 10 years to move the project forward (2013-2023). Those funding streams include grants, TABOR, General Fund, Capital Expansion Fees and the Water Enterprise Fund. To learn more about the budget for this project, visit letstalkloveland.org/us34-and-taft-intersection-improvements.

The US 34 and Taft Avenue Intersection Improvement Project has installed four new signal poles at the intersection. On Friday, Aug. 23, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., crews will remove the old light poles and power the new ones.

During this switch, traffic will be diverted to single lanes on US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard, heading westbound and eastbound near Westshore Drive and extending past Safeway. Commuters traveling through the area should expect temporary stops and delays. While the signals are transitioning to the new poles, traffic control personnel and uniformed officers will be onsite to direct traffic throughout the transition.

Commuters are encouraged to use the following detour routes:

• Westbound traffic on US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard will be diverted to Lincoln Avenue/US 287, with the option to use 29th Street or 1st Street.
• Eastbound traffic on US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard will be diverted to Wilson Avenue, with the option to use 29th Street or 1st Street.

Residents who wish to contact the project team can email taftus34improvement@getinfonow.us or call 970-599-7788. For water or power line emergencies, can call 970-962-3456.Thank you for your patience as we work to prioritize safety at this intersection. Project details, detour maps, images, and joining the project newsletter for updates can be found at go.lovgov.org/Taft-and-US34.

LOVELAND, Colo. – July 11, 2024 – The City of Loveland will begin Phase 2 construction for the US 34 and Taft Avenue Intersection Improvement project on Monday, July 15. Completion of this phase of the work is anticipated by early October, weather permitting. Phase 2 will include a full closure of S. Taft Avenue from US34/Eisenhower Boulevard to 8th Street, which includes daytime work from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Construction will include adding an additional lefthand turn lanes on both northbound and southbound Taft Avenue heading onto US 34 to alleviate traffic congestion, as well as adding bike lanes, ADA sidewalks, curbs and gutters to prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety. Additionally, Loveland Water and Power will replace the existing 12-inch cast iron pipes installed in the 1960s with new 12-inch PVC pipes. The new infrastructure will provide a pipe life expectancy of 100 years.

Detour Routes:

• Westbound traffic on US34/Eisenhower Boulevard will be diverted before the work area to Lincoln Avenue/US 287, with the option to use 29th Street or 1st Street.
• Eastbound traffic on US34/Eisenhower Boulevard will be diverted before the work area to Wilson Avenue, with the option to use 29th Street or 1st Street.

Phase 1 night work will overlap with Phase 2 daytime work and continue through late July to reduce two weeks off the project’s initial timeline. For both phases, daytime and nighttime construction will happen simultaneously. Nighttime work will be Sunday through Thursday from approximately 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., and daytime work will be Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“In order to maintain forward momentum on the project and avoid any unnecessary downtime for our contractors, there will be approximately a two-week period of overlap for Phases 1 and Phase 2. This operational adjustment will allow us to cut two weeks off of the overall timeline for the project,” said Construction Manager Bonar Crump.

Local access will be maintained for the surrounding neighborhood and businesses during the closure. Business access will remain open on US34/Eisenhower Boulevard and Taft Avenue. Throughout construction, commuters can expect delays and are encouraged to plan accordingly to allow enough time for their commute.

During nighttime work hours, construction noise from the equipment and temporary lights may be disruptive for residents in the area. Single lane closures are expected overnight. Traffic control signs and devices will be posted at all ends of the work areas along US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard and Taft Avenue. Personnel will be in the area to navigate traffic during working hours.

The remaining two phases of the project include the following:

• Phase 3 will include a full closure of Taft Avenue from US34/Eisenhower Boulevard to 22nd Street. The closure is currently planned from October through December. For this phase, there will be daytime construction from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Local access will be maintained for the surrounding neighborhood and businesses during the closure. Business access will remain open on US34/Eisenhower Boulevard and Taft Avenue. Construction will temporarily pause for the winter months.
• Phase 4 will include asphalt paving on US34/Eisenhower Boulevard from Prospect Avenue to Harlow Lane. Construction will resume in spring 2025. During construction, the public will be limited to single-lane closures. Nighttime work will be performed for this phase. Traffic should expect delays while navigating the area. Business access will remain open throughout Phase 4.

US 34 and Taft Avenue Intersection Improvement Detour Route

Additional project details including detour maps, images and other project updates, can be found at letstalkloveland.org/us34-and-taft-intersection-improvements. Residents who wish to sign up for weekly project updates, receive the latest information, or contact the project team can email taftus34improvement@getinfonow.us or 970-599-7788. If you see water line emergencies, please call 970-962-3456.

About

The US 34 and Taft Avenue Intersection Improvement Project was introduced to the Loveland City Council in 1999. Throughout the years, the biggest hurdle for the project has been funding. The City found different funding sources to move the project forward over the years and is now able to move forward with allocated funding dedicated to the project. The City has acquired and demolished the homes along the west side of Taft Avenue from 11th Street to US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard. In order to accomplish the improvements to widen Taft Avenue, additional rights-of-way and easements were required. The City acquired these properties to meet construction schedules and progress with an anticipated summer 2024 construction date—all of which is necessary to leverage federal grant funding opportunities.

Project Funding

The US 34 and Taft Avenue Intersection Improvement Project is funded by multiple funding streams collected over the past 10 years to move the project forward (2013-2023). Those funding streams include grants, TABOR, General Fund, Capital Expansion Fees and the Water Enterprise Fund. To learn more about the budget for this project, visit letstalkloveland.org/us34-and-taft-intersection-improvements.

The City of Loveland will begin Phase 1 construction for the US 34 and Taft Avenue Intersection Improvement project on Monday, July 8. This phase of the work will be completed by mid-July, weather permitting.

Phase 1 includes nighttime work along US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard between Westshore Drive and Prospect Avenue to remove light posts and medians to allow lane adjustments while providing safe working conditions for the crews. To maximize efficiencies and costs, the City’s Loveland Water and Power department will simultaneously replace the aging water line beneath the intersection of US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard and Taft Avenue.

“The enhancements at the intersection of Taft and US 34 are designed to boost safety and minimize delays for all modes of transportation, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians,” said assistant city engineer Keith Wakefield. “We’re excited to finally complete this 25-year-old project and construct these improvements for the Loveland community.”

The City has selected Coulson Excavating Company for the roadway improvements and Connell Resources for the waterline improvements as the contractors for construction. Typical working hours for Phase 1 work will be Sunday through Thursday from approximately 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. to limit traffic impacts for businesses, residents and commuters during the day.

During the working hours of this project, there will be construction noise from the equipment and temporary lights that may be disruptive for residents in the area. Single lane closures are expected overnight. Traffic control signs and devices will be posted at all ends of the work areas along US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard and Taft Avenue. Personnel will be in the area to navigate traffic during working hours.

The remaining three phases of the project include the following:

• Phase 2 will include a full closure of Taft Avenue from US34/Eisenhower Boulevard to 8th Street. The closure is currently planned from mid-July through October. For this phase, there will be daytime construction from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Local access will be maintained for the surrounding neighborhood and businesses during the closure. Business access will remain open on US34/Eisenhower Boulevard and Taft Avenue.
• Phase 3 will include a full closure of Taft Avenue from US34/Eisenhower Boulevard to 22nd Street. The closure is currently planned from October through December. For this phase, there will be daytime construction from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Local access will be maintained for the surrounding neighborhood and businesses during the closure. Business access will remain open on US34/Eisenhower Boulevard and Taft Avenue. Construction will temporarily pause for the winter months.
• Phase 4 will include asphalt paving on US34/Eisenhower Boulevard from Prospect Avenue to Harlow Lane. Construction will resume in spring 2025. During construction, the public will be limited to single-lane closures. Night work will be performed for this phase. Traffic should expect delays while navigating the area. Business access will remain open throughout Phase 4.

During Phases 2 and 3, detours for westbound traffic on US34/Eisenhower Boulevard will occur from Lincoln Avenue/US 287 to 29^th Street or 1^st Street, and eastbound traffic on US34/Eisenhower Boulevard from Wilson Avenue to 29^th Street or 1^st Street. Throughout construction, commuters should expect delays and are encouraged to plan accordingly to allow enough time for their commute.

US 34 and Taft Avenue Intersection Improvement Detour Route

Additional project details including detour maps, images and other project updates, can be found at letstalkloveland.org/us34-and-taft-intersection-improvements. Residents who wish to sign up for weekly project updates, receive the latest information, or contact the project team can email taftus34improvement@getinfonow.us or 970-599-7788. If you see water line emergencies, please call 970-962-3456.

About

The US 34 and Taft Avenue Intersection Improvement Project was introduced to the Loveland City Council in 1999. Throughout the years, the biggest hurdle for the project has been funding. The City found different funding sources to move the project forward over the years and is now able to move forward with allocated funding dedicated to the project. The City has acquired and demolished the homes along the west side of Taft Avenue from 11th Street to US 34/Eisenhower Boulevard. In order to accomplish the improvements to widen Taft Avenue, additional rights-of-way and easements were required. The City acquired these properties to meet construction schedules and progress with an anticipated summer 2024 construction date—all of which is necessary to leverage federal grant funding opportunities.

Project Funding

The US 34 and Taft Avenue Intersection Improvement Project is funded by multiple funding streams collected over the past 10 years to move the project forward (2013-2023). Those funding streams include grants, TABOR, General Fund, Capital Expansion Fees and the Water Enterprise Fund. To learn more about the budget for this project, visit letstalkloveland.org/us34-and-taft-intersection-improvements.