The project on US Highway 34 through the Big Thompson Canyon is almost completed. Last May’s reopening of the canyon marked the end of all long-term closures with this flood recovery project.

Now it's just milling and paving work, guardrail and sign installations, access bridge construction, shoulder grading and lane striping. Crews have been working across a 23-mile stretch to finish these remaining roadway items by the end of this year.

Highway 34 Bridge Construction
Colorado Department of Transportation
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Minor  Closures

  • In early 2019, there will be retaining wall work done just east of the horseshoe curve that will require a westbound lane closure
  • In the spring, seasonal landscaping and seeding work in various areas could require lane closures with about 5-minute delays.

Drivers should plan for up to 20-minute delays until the end of January as crews work in multiple locations to finish up the project.

CO US 34 Flood 2013
Scott Ellis, CDOT
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Project Background

US 34 Big Thompson Canyon’s roads and bridges were heavily damaged during the 2013 floods with many homes damaged and over 100 air lifted evacuations. The canyon and its residents also suffered from flooding in 1976. As a result of these two events, CDOT studied the hydraulic flow of the river in the canyon and its impact on the road and bridges along its path while looking for safety improvements and resiliency solutions to prevent/protect against future flood events.

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