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Loveland council approves contract for West Loveland turn-lane expansion
Summary
The Loveland City Council unanimously approved a contract to expand the southbound turn lane on West Loveland Avenue, doubling its queued vehicle capacity and scheduling construction after the nearby Dairy Whip seasonal closure.
The Loveland City Council voted 7-0 to authorize a contract for the West Loveland Avenue southbound turn-lane expansion, a project the city says will double the existing stacking capacity for left-turning vehicles and reduce peak-hour backups.
City Manager Dave Kennedy told council the turn lane currently holds about three vehicles and that the chosen design will roughly double that capacity. He said the project was included in the 2025 capital improvement program and that bids were opened on May 30. The low bidder was identified in the packet; council authorized the city manager to sign a contract with a not-to-exceed amount to allow for change orders so construction can proceed without returning for additional approvals.
The project team told council they intentionally scheduled the work to begin on Sept. 29, the day after the Dairy Whip seasonal closure, after meeting with the business’s owners to minimize disruption during Dairy Whip’s operating season. Assistant City Manager Chris Winich and staff described the work as primarily road and stormwater construction; no easements were needed and the work stays within the public right-of-way. Winich said the project may require minor change orders if an old stump or other unforeseen conditions are encountered during excavation.
Council members asked whether underground utilities or sewer lines would be affected. Winich said the work will not affect sewer lines and that funding will come from street capital and stormwater accounts. Council also asked whether sidewalks or signage would be reconfigured; staff said the taper and alignment will remain within the right-of-way and will not require property take or easements.
The resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into a contract for the West Loveland turn-lane project was adopted by roll call, 7 to 0.
Less critical details: staff noted the selected contractor will already be working in town as part of the city's road program, which reduced mobilization costs and contributed to the bid outcome. The city intends to manage contingency needs within the approved not-to-exceed amount so that the project is not delayed by additional council approvals.
