Expect delays and alternate routes are strongly advised during work activities at the US 287/CO 52 intersection in July

Project Update

July 5, 2023 - Northeastern Colorado - Impacts include alternating traffic holds of up to 20 minutes on July 10 and reduced lanes on eastbound CO 52

Boulder County – Starting on July 10, the Colorado Department of Transportation and contract partner Villalobos Concrete, Inc. will implement special traffic control measures during certain work activities for the US Highway 287/CO 52 intersection improvement project in Boulder County. These measures are necessary to protect the traveling public, the construction crews and the surrounding community.

On Monday, July 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., all directions of traffic at the US 287/CO 52 intersection will be alternately halted for up to 20 minutes at a time while crews install mast arms on the new signal poles. This safety critical work entails suspending heavy loads over live traffic lanes which will require the presence of uniformed traffic control personnel to manage traffic flows. Alternate routes are strongly advised.

CDOT will also implement a 24/7 right lane closure on eastbound CO 52 on July 10 to accommodate asphalt work. This closure will reduce the alignment through the work zone to a single lane and will remain in place for several weeks. Delays can be expected, and alternate routes are advised.

This state and federally funded project is designed to increase capacity and traffic flow at all four corners of the intersection. Work includes widening CO 52 on the north and south sides to accommodate an additional left turn lane and widening US 287 to the east to add an additional left turn lane for both northbound and southbound traffic. Other improvements include adding traffic signal poles, pedestrian poles, and ADA ramps, and making drainage improvements. Work began in January with full completion anticipated by late fall.

Traffic Impacts on July 10 for mast arm installation

  • All directions of traffic at the US 287/CO 52 intersection will be under alternating traffic holds for up to 20 minutes at a time for a seven-hour period on Monday, July 10
  • The holds will be in place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • The holds are necessary for safety reasons as crews suspend heavy loads over traffic lanes
  • Uniformed traffic control personnel will be present to manage traffic flows
  • Motorists can expect alternating delays up to 20 minutes at a time during this seven-hour period of work
  • The traffic holds will impact northbound and southbound US 287 and eastbound and westbound CO 52
  • Variable message boards will be placed at the approaches to the work zone to alert motorists to the work and expected delays
  • Signs and devices will exist to alert motorists to the work underway
  • Alternate routes are strongly advised
  • While CDOT is committed to minimizing impacts during construction, delays are inevitable
  • Motorists are encouraged to leave early for important appointments and use alternate routes if possible
  • All construction schedules are weather dependent and subject to change

Traffic Impacts on eastbound CO 52 begin July 10 for asphalt work

  • Starting on Monday, July 10, eastbound CO 52 will switch to a single lane alignment within the work zone
  • This reduced alignment will be in place 24/7 for several weeks while crews perform asphalt work
  • The right eastbound lane will be closed and all traffic will shift to the left lane
  • Once eastbound CO 52 work is finished, crews will switch to the westbound side and close a westbound CO 52 lane 24/7 for asphalt work
  • Variable message boards will be placed at the approaches to the intersection to alert motorists to the closure
  • Delays can be expected
  • Motorists are encouraged to leave early for important appointments and use alternate routes whenever possible when planning travel through this intersection
  • All construction schedules are weather dependent and subject to change

Project Location

The project is located at the intersection of US 287 and CO 52 between the cities of Longmont and Broomfield in Boulder County. The work zone on US 287 extends north/south from MP 310.140 to MP 310.670, and east/west from MP 4.35 to MP 5.0 on CO 52.

Project Contact Information

For additional information about this project, contact the project team.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!