WELD COUNTY, Colo. — Work on a roundabout project in Weld County is set to resume after a new contractor was chosen.
Weld County officials said work on a roundabout west of Eaton at Weld County Road (WCR) 74 and WCR 33 is set to resume immediately.
The Weld County Board of Commissioners awarded on Monday an emergency-bid contract for its completion to WW Clyde for a total amount not to exceed $5,978,200.20.
Construction on a roundabout originally began in January, but work was halted in September after the previous contractor, Lawson Construction, had their contract terminated.
The roundabout is anticipated to be complete by Feb. 21, 2024.
“We realize the length of this intersection closure has been an inconvenience to our residents, and completing the roundabout quickly is a top priority,” said Mike Freeman, Weld County Commissioner Chair. “At the same time, we want the roundabout to be of the highest quality and improve safety and efficiency. We’re confident WW Clyde can achieve those goals.”
Over the next four months, WW Clyde will address concrete paving, drainage items, curb and gutter work and tie-in work to connect the roundabout to the existing portions of WCR 74 and WCR 33. Signage and striping will take place as construction wraps up, and Xcel Energy will also install streetlights.
“Although the projects’ milestones were repeatedly missed by the previous contractor, we have full confidence in WW Clyde to provide a high-quality product in an accelerated timeline to get this intersection open as quickly as possible, and we appreciate the public’s patience,” said Curtis Hall, Director of the Weld County Department of Public Works.
“Aside from enhancing safety and efficiency, our goal has always been to deliver a solution that meets traffic demand and has many of the same features that have made other roundabouts a success.”
The project the third major roundabout to be built recently in Weld County, joining roundabouts at WCR 54 and WCR 17 as well as 35th Avenue and O Street.
"County Road 74 continues to be a heavily used east-west route throughout our county. Given the growth projections for Weld County in the coming years, it’s necessary to look at enhancements along the corridor," Freeman said. "This roundabout will reduce congestion and the likelihood of accidents, which are two major elements that ensure we provide a safe and efficient transportation system now and in the future."
Weld County said a roundabout was identified as the best solution to increase safety and efficiency at the intersection of WCR 74 and WCR 33. The roundabout will be built with a concrete pavement section for a longer life cycle and wider lanes to accommodate agricultural equipment and semitrucks.
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