GREELEY, Colo. — The Greeley City Council received an update on the Weld County Road 17 and U.S. 34 interchange project on June 2025, including the project schedule, coordination with CDOT’s 1601 interchange approval process and early right‑of‑way outreach.

Bolton & Menk project manager Ryan Davis and City public‑works staff said Weld County is leading the 1601 process with CDOT and that two intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) are being negotiated: one between Weld County and CDOT for the 1601 process and another among Weld County, the City of Greeley, the Town of Windsor and the Town of Johnstown for cost‑sharing and commitments. The consultants said the interchange selection report will set alignment; they plan to advance design to approximately 30% (FIR process in CDOT terminology) and then begin right‑of‑way and CMGC procurement.

The consultants showed 19 parcels identified as surrounding the project limits where right‑of‑way may be needed once the interchange selection and preliminary design are finalized. “Any right of way acquisition needed will be in accordance with the city’s standard acquisition process, which follows the state and federal process as well,” a consultant said. Staff also reported they have requested lease and ownership information from CDOT to confirm parcels that CDOT or other entities already own or lease so the city does not pay for property previously acquired.

Ryan Davis said, assuming critical‑path items proceed on schedule, the team currently anticipates construction completion around June 2028. Councilmembers asked environmental and permitting questions: CDOT Region 4 advised that because this project is locally funded, the agency does not anticipate state or federal environmental review beyond a noise analysis to set setbacks, according to staff.

Councilmembers raised questions about eminent domain authority and process. One councilmember asked whether council would be asked to approve an open‑ended eminent‑domain authorization to cover multiple parcels; staff said the city will map properties of interest and return with clearer information and that authority to pursue acquisitions would be sought if and when specific parcels are identified. Councilmembers also discussed potential funding mechanisms, including a GID formation and participation by Windsor, Johnstown and Weld County for design and construction cost‑sharing.

This was an informational update; no formal action was taken. Staff said they will continue coordination with Weld County, CDOT and regional partners and will return with more detailed right‑of‑way maps and proposed acquisition authority if needed.