AASHTO Journal, 7 December 2012
An improvement project aimed at increasing capacity for the growing number of vehicles traveling through the Interstate 25/State Highway 392 interchange was completed by the Colorado Department of Transportation last week, months ahead of schedule.
CDOT began the $17.5 million project in August 2011 after it decided the interchange needed an upgrade to accommodate the increasing traffic in Larimer and Weld Counties. SH 392 over I-25 carries approximately 18,900 vehicles per day, though CDOT estimates that number will rise to 44,300 vehicles per day by 2035.
In order to prepare for that burst in traffic, CDOT replaced the SH 392 bridge over I-25 with a wider one to allow for four lanes (two going each way) and a left turn lane in each direction. A 6-foot bike lane and a 6.5-foot sidewalk were also added to each side of the bridge. In addition, the frontage road on the west side of the interchange was realigned and ramps were designed to deal with the additional future traffic. The last element of the project was an expanded 90-space carpool/vanpool lot, located in the southwest corner of the interchange. The project was scheduled to be completed in late spring 2013 (specifically, late April to early May).
CDOT worked closely with its contractor, Edward Kraemer and Sons, Inc., to move the project along. The contractor carefully measured land settlement during the early phases of construction, which ended up moving the project ahead sooner than expected, as CDOT had scheduled in time to allow the soil that would be disturbed during construction to settle properly.
Due to the close working relationship between CDOT and Edward Kraemer and Sons, the project was officially completed on budget and five months ahead of schedule.
“This is a special day for northern Colorado,” said CDOT Chief Engineer Tim Harris in a statement. “With the completion of this project, traffic in this rapidly growing area of the state can be much better accommodated, and travel will be safer and more efficient. It is our hope and expectation that this interchange will allow for continued growth and economic development in northern Colorado for many years to come.”