FOR RELEASE: US 34 and Taft Avenue Intersection Improvement project begins Phase 1 on July 8

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.