CDOT updates Larimer County on Highway 287 safety project, outlines scope, schedule and risks

CDOT project manager Chad Hall told Larimer County commissioners that the agency is advancing a safety-focused package of improvements on U.S. Highway 287 between Ted’s Place and the Wyoming border, emphasizing a goal of reducing severe injuries and fatalities.

The project is split into two construction packages, Hall said. Package 1 (imminent) covers the Red Mountain Road intersection north to Bonner Springs Ranch Road and includes a planned snow-closure gate; Package 2 includes about 3 miles of southbound passing lanes in two segments, roughly 9 miles of widened shoulders (target minimum 6 feet), roughly 20 miles of wildlife fencing (about 10–11 miles per side), a Dale Creek bridge replacement north of Virginia Dale, and resurfacing work.

Hall said the work is financed primarily by an MPDG grant for the upper-corridor portion; additional dollars were added for resurfacing and the bridge replacement. He explained that guardrail replacements are handled from maintenance (MLOS) dollars, separate from the capital funds used to build the project.

On timing, Hall and resident engineer Chris Baseflug said CDOT held 30% milestone meetings in October and a 90% design review for Package 1 in the week of the meeting. The agency plans to advertise Package 1 in April and is aiming for 2026 construction; Package 2 is planned for advertisement this fall with construction expected in 2027–28. Baseflug said he expects CDOT work in the corridor to be complete before the adjacent NISP construction begins, but both staff and commissioners flagged coordination as an opportunity and a risk if different contractors are used.

Staff identified several risks that could affect the schedule and cost. Hall said archaeological and historic resources (including the Overland Trail) require federal and tribal consultations with review periods that can delay fast-moving projects; CDOT redesigned some elements near Red Mountain to avoid a resource and reduce delay. Right-of-way needs are “light” for Package 1 (one property owner) but more substantial for Package 2, and Hall said staff are actively engaging landowners. He also noted a procurement risk: advertising in April could yield fewer bidders, and if competitive bids fall short the work could be delayed and pushed into a single-package job that would start in 2027.

Commissioners asked for a copy of the presentation and how CDOT plans to reengage the Livermore community. Commissioner Cafalls also identified the Abbey of Saint Walburga (Benedictine sisters) as a local landowner who should be contacted; Hall said slides and contact information will be shared and CDOT has a public relations team available to work with the county. County staff added that CDOT has provided quarterly updates to the county’s CME and that recent maintenance work, including restriping at Owl Canyon, had already improved safety.

No formal motions or votes were taken. CDOT staff said they will circulate the slide deck and continue coordination with county staff and local landowners as the project moves toward advertisement and construction.