US 85 and Weld County Road 44 Interchange Newsletter

Southbound U.S. Highway 85 traffic is expected to shift east near Weld County Road 44 starting on or after Thursday, April 27. Moving traffic to the new alignment will open up a new work area for the contractor. Drivers should expect lane closures and traffic shifts for the lane striping operation.

The contractor team continues to place asphalt along US 85. Some of the asphalt is temporary for construction phasing. Northbound US 85 traffic recently shifted to a new alignment.

A roundabout is under construction where the new southbound US 85 ramps will intersect CR 44. Concrete paving at the roundabout is expected to start next week. No additional traffic impacts are anticipated since the roundabout is entirely within a closed work area away from the highway.

Project goals include improved mobility and safety. Roundabouts allow continuous traffic movement while encouraging slow speeds to maximize driver safety. The roundabout is designed to accommodate farming equipment and commercial vehicles.

Jalisco International was awarded a $28-million contract to construct an interchange at US 85 and CR 44 in Peckham. Work on the interchange started in early 2022.

The new interchange will improve safety, eliminate interaction between roadway traffic and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks, and provide efficient access control.

Major project features include:

• Two new bridges to carry CR 44 over US 85 and UPRR tracks
• Roundabout at southbound US 85 ramps / CR 44 intersection
• Intersection improvements at CR 44 and Niobrara Boulevard
• Permanent closure of CR 33 at US 85 and UPRR