Monday, the Weld County Board of Commissioners entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) for construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Weld County Road (WCR) 74 and 31, located west of Eaton. CDOT has awarded the county a grant in the amount of $1,269,435 to assist with construction costs.
“Roundabouts are an option we consider when identifying how we can make the county’s transportation system safer and more efficient, and we’re pleased to have state support while we work to make this improvement,” said Weld County Commissioner Chair Kevin Ross.
A roundabout was identified as the best improvement for the intersection after traffic data showed a pattern of broadside accidents at the intersection, which has an average daily traffic rate of 7,490 vehicles, according to the Weld County Department of Public Works. Nationwide, roundabouts have been shown to reduce fatalities and injuries by approximately 80% and 40% compared to a stoplight, according to the Federal Highway Administration.
Construction of the roundabout, budgeted at $13.2 million, is expected to begin in 2026. The roundabout’s design is still being completed, but residents can expect it to have features similar to other county-constructed ones. Lanes will be made of concrete and wide enough to accommodate large agricultural vehicles as well as regular traffic.
Aside from completing the design, Public Works will also complete utility relocations and right-of-way acquisition before construction can begin. Construction will be completed by an outside contractor, chosen at a later date, with Public Works in charge of managing the project.
