Wadsworth project contract completion date extended to 2030 to allow closeout and federal audits

WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. — The City Council approved an amendment to the contract with the Colorado Department of Transportation for the Improved Wadsworth project, extending the contract completion date to Oct. 25, 2030. Staff said the extension is to provide adequate time for project closeout, federal audits and paperwork associated with state and federal funding.

Why it matters: Construction is on track for substantial completion by the end of 2025, according to staff, but federal and state closeout processes — including documentation for Buy America and financial audits — often continue for years. The extended contract date gives the city and CDOT time to complete those administrative steps without triggering penalties.

What staff said: City staff and the contractor reported that the physical work will likely be substantially complete by the end of 2025 with some spring 2026 punch-list activity, and that the extended completion date will not increase the project’s construction costs. Liquidated damages and the contractor's warranty periods are managed per contract; substantial completion is expected to stop the working-day clock for liquidated damages and to trigger warranty obligations.

Public and council interest: Councilors asked about customer impacts, business access and when drivers could expect restored access; staff said some access limitations remain but that major traffic and access improvements should occur later this year as the contractor installs continuous-flow intersections and final signal work. The extension was adopted unanimously.

Sources: Staff presentation and council discussion at the May 1 meeting.