As commuters celebrate the reopening of the east side of the College Avenue and Horsetooth Road intersection, the west side will close for construction starting on July 16.
The project will continue into the fall, as West Horsetooth Road between College Avenue and Mason Street will be closed from July 16 to Sept. 9, according to a press release from the City. East Horsetooth Road is scheduled to reopen between College Avenue and Mitchell Drive July 16, after being closed since June 18.
One of Fort Collins’ busiest intersections according to the City, Horsetooth and College is undergoing improvements in an attempt to reduce left-turn crashes and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
According to a 2011 study by the City Engineering Department, the Horsetooth Road and College Avenue intersection is one of the most in need of safety and operational improvements.
During the construction period, no left turns will be permitted in any direction and College Avenue will be reduced to two lanes in each direction. East Horsetooth Road will be reduced to a single lane in each direction approaching the intersection, according to the City.
The Horsetooth and College project is reaching the next phase. Coming soon: Horsetooth east of the intersection reopens but the west portion will close for the next 2 months 🚧 pic.twitter.com/ddPT0v7Fb5
— City of Fort Collins (@fortcollinsgov) July 11, 2018
The City recommends taking alternative routes to avoid construction delays, including Drake Road and Harmony Road via Shields Street and Lemay Avenue. Businesses will remain open and accessible with some relocated accesses during the road closure.
According to the City, he new features of the intersection will include:
• Adding dual left-turn lanes in all directions
• Adding right turn lanes with pedestrian refuge islands on College Avenue
• Fully replacing the bride on Horsetooth Road over Larimer Canal No. 2
• Widening the College Avenue bridge over Larimer Canal No. 2 and replacing the pedestrian bridge
• Improved bicycle and pedestrian facilities on Horsetooth Road
• Updating the landscaping and urban design of the area to create a “warm and friendly” intersection
The funding for the project comes from two federal grants and additional funds from the 2017-2018 City Budgeting for Outcomes process.
To sign up for project updates and additional information, visit the City’s website.
Collegian news reporter Emma Iannacone can be reached at news@collegian.com or on Twitter @EmmaIannacone.
