Expect delays on US 287, CO 66 and I-25 on Saturday, March 14, as Xcel moves large machinery from Loveland to Platteville

Northeast Colorado — Xcel Energy will be moving the first of four large generators from Loveland to Platteville on Saturday which will cause some delays for drivers in the area.

The caravan will be travelling around 5 mph south on US Highway 287 and Colorado Highway 56 until it gets to Colorado Highway 66 in Longmont, where it will go east to Interstate 25. It will get on I-25 south for about a half-mile where it will cross to northbound I-25 using the emergency crossover. It will then go north on I-25 and get off at CO 66 and continue east.

Each of the roads will be closed off in advance of the caravan coming through. Approximate times to avoid roadways (times can vary based on progress of the caravan):

• US 287 from Loveland to Longmont, from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• CO 66 from Longmont to I-25, from 10:45 to Noon
• I-25 (both directions) south of CO 66, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• CO 66 east of I-25 from 12:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.

US 85 will remain open for northbound and southbound trips throughout the morning.

Currently, Xcel is planning to repeat this process for the next three Saturdays, weather permitting.

Below is the release Xcel sent out:

MEDIA ADVISORY: New date for equipment move, traffic impact between Loveland and Platteville; I-25 to partially close US highway 287.

Colorado Highway 66 included in route

What: A new date has been set as Xcel Energy moves generators and turbines from Loveland to the Fort St. Vrain Generating station as part of a Colorado Clean Energy project. The move will impact traffic on U.S. Highway 287, Colorado Highway 66 and I-25 and includes closing I-25 at exit 243 (Longmont/Lyons exit) for a short time. The closures will be posted on highway electronic message boards. Colorado State Patrol and other officers will assist in the move. Trucks carrying the equipment will be traveling slowly – up to 5 miles an hour. This is one of four equipment moves that will take place over the next two months.

When: March 14, 2026, beginning at 7:00 a.m. U.S. Highway 287 from Loveland, Colorado Highway 66, I-25

Additional Information: The Fort St. Vrain Project is part of the 2024 Clean Energy Plan to add approximately 6,100 megawatts (MW) of new generation. These projects will help Xcel Energy meet forecasted electric needs through 2028. Two 200 MW natural gas combustion turbines are being installed at the Fort St. Vrain Generating station. Each unit will be constructed to allow for individual operation