US 85 at WCR 66 Acceleration Lanes in North Greeley

About the Project:

The Colorado Department of Transportation will begin adding acceleration lanes on US 85 at WCR 66 beginning in May. The construction work will begin on US 85 south of Lucerne, from Mile Point 271.18 to MP 271.81.

"Current cars and trucks who turn left onto US 85 have a slower acceleration than existing vehicles on US 85,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “The new acceleration lanes provide motorists with approximately 1200 feet to get up to speed safely. CDOT is committed to improving safety along US 85 and help alleviate backups for vehicles turning left onto US 85.”


Project Benefits

  • Acceleration lanes will be added by taking out the median and creating a left-hand acceleration lane on both northbound and southbound US 85. This will allow vehicles entering US 85 to increase speed to a rate to safely merge with through traffic.  
  • Resurfacing will provide a smooth and safer road and improved quality for driving experience.
  • Striping will make the lines more visible and the replacement of aging signage to help with wayfinding.

Work Schedule:

  • The anticipated project completion is September 2023.
  • Daytime work hours are from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
  • Work hours may be adjusted depending on traffic volumes.  

Traffic Impacts:

Motorists can expect the following impacts during the period of construction:

  • Single alternating lane closures.
  • Speed limit of 40 MPH through the construction zone.
  • Construction trucks entering and exiting the work zone.

As always, construction schedules may be impacted by weather and other unanticipated delays.  

Refer to COtrip.org for real-time travel conditions and road closures

Work this Week & Lane Closures
US 85 at WCR 66 Acceleration Lanes

Project Facts

  • Construction Cost: $5 Million
  • Contractor: Coulson Excavating
  • Timeline: May 2023 - September 2023
  • Location: US 85 at WCR 66
    • Nearest Town/City: Greeley
    • Mile Point(s): 271.18 - 271.81
    • County: Weld County

US 85 at WCR 66 Accelleration Lane project location

US 85 at WCR 66 Acceleration Lane project location