Construction project planned for Overland Trail, Laporte Avenue

By JoAn Bjarko
North Forty News

Larimer County plans to spend about $2 million to improve the far west end of Laporte Avenue and a portion of Overland Trail over the next two years.

The biggest part of the project will close down the intersection of Laporte and Overland Trail for about two months this summer, according to project manager Joe Temple; exact dates have not been determined. Some utility and right-of-way issues remain unresolved, he said, but construction on Laporte Avenue should start in June or July and finish by November.

The county is planning a total reconstruction of 1.4 miles of Laporte Avenue starting 500 fee east of Overland Trail. The roadway is now 24 feet wide and it will be expanded to 36 feet wide. Major work will be done at the intersection of Laporte and Overland, including raising the roadbed. Some turn lanes will also be added, but the traffic light will remain as is.

This year's work also calls for rebuilding Overland on both sides of the intersection with Laporte. Total distance is about 1,200 feet.

Temple said the Fort Collins is contributing $50,000 toward the project and the federal Bureau of Reclamation added $300,000 because of roadway damage caused during work on Horsetooth Reservoir.

In 2005, the county will rebuild the remaining section of Overland Trail from Mulberry Street to Vine Drive. The intersection at Vine will get turn lanes at that time. Temple said no decision has been made about closing the intersection during construction or about installing a traffic light there.

Those wanting more information may call Temple at 498-5717.