Multiple cars drive on state highway 66 with a view of Longs Peak in the background

Highway 66 Improvements

Font Size: + -

Feedback Print

Overview

Development up and down the Front Range and around the Boulder County region has resulted in more vehicular traffic and congestion along the State Highway 66 (SH 66) corridor. The increase in traffic coupled with high speeds along this corridor has created unsafe conditions and a significant number of severe accidents.

Transportation improvements have been identified by CDOT and the City of Longmont that are intended to improve both the safety and operation of State Highway 66 (SH 66) from Hover Street to US 287 (Main Street). This is a multi-jurisdictional project with support from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), Boulder County and the City of Longmont. The City of Longmont is the lead agency responsible for managing the design of the project, with CDOT oversight.

The SH 66 Improvements project supports the goals and guiding principles in Envision Longmont by providing a transportation system that is well-connected and serves all modes of travel. Following the completion of this project, users of this corridor will benefit from a safer and more reliable transportation system.

Goals and Planned Improvements

The SH 66 Improvements project will implement findings from the recently completed CDOT Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study and associated Access Control Plan. The PEL study developed a high-level vision for the corridor; whereas, this project will take a more detailed look at the various design aspects of the planned improvements.

Objectives

Objectives of the project include: improved bicycle and pedestrian mobility, reduced congestion, improved operations and enhanced roadway safety for this regional corridor. The Purpose and Need statement from the SH 66 PEL study states "the purpose of transportation improvements along the SH 66 corridor are to improve safety, reduce existing and future traffic congestion, provide efficient access for existing and future development, and improve mobility and connectivity for all modes of transportation that match the context of the adjacent communities."

This project will provide better multimodal options and support the City’s goal of providing a transportation system that serves all modes of travel. In addition, this project will provide needed safety improvements for this busy highway.

Anticipated improvements include reconstruction and widening of SH 66 to include two travel lanes in each direction, a 16-foot wide raised median, on-street bike lanes/wide shoulders, detached 10’ sidewalk along the south side of the road, left turn lanes and acceleration/deceleration lanes at appropriate locations. Below is the proposed cross section from the PEL study (page 31):

Diagram showing elevation of a curb and gutter and a ped and bike lanes on both north and south of the road

Photo Reference: SH 66 Planning and Environmental Linkages Study

In addition to making the road safer for all users, these improvements also will increase the multimodal transportation options available on SH 66. The bike lane and sidewalk improvements advance the City's Envision Longmont Multimodal and Comprehensive Plan's principle of "A Complete, Balanced and Connected Transportation System," as well as the Longmont Sustainability Plan for Transportation.

On-Street Bike Lanes and Detached Sidewalk Improvements

SH 66 is a popular route for recreational cyclists; however, the existing shoulder widths vary and are less than five feet (5’) at various locations. This creates an uncomfortable and unsafe condition, which deters more cyclists from using this route.

The proposed SH 66 roadway section will include 5’ wide paved shoulders (each direction) for those cyclists who prefer on-street cycling. For riders who prefer a lower-stress bicycling experience, there will be a 10’ detached sidewalk constructed along the south side of SH 66 from Hover Street to US 287.

Proposed bike improvements includes a raised median

Photo Reference: SH 66 Planning and Environmental Linkages Study

Access Control & Intersection Improvements

Another one of the objectives of the SH 66 Improvements project will be to implement the access control recommendations that were developed with the PEL study. This includes the construction of a center raised median to limit certain turning movements at secondary intersections. Intersections and private driveways that currently allow full movements (e.g. Spencer Street, Gay Street, etc.) will be modified to only allow right-in/right-out or three-quarter access movements.

Type of Access or Intersection Improvement	Description	Diagram of Access
Right in, Right out	Only right turns are allowed Traffic median prevents left turns and straight movements - these movements must be completed at another intersection.
Three-quarter Movement	Right-in, right-out, and left-in are allowed Traffic median prevents left-out and straight movements - these movements must be completed at another intersection.
Full Movement	All movements in all directions are allowed May include the need for a traffic signal

Table Reference: SH 66 Planning and Environmental Linkages Study

Intersection improvements that provide additional capacity are also anticipated at the SH 66/Hover intersection. Lastly, a new traffic signal is anticipated at the SH 66/Francis intersection, pending justification through a signal warrant analysis.

Schedule

Design efforts on the SH 66 Improvements project began in October 2020 and is anticipated to last approximately 12-14 months.

A construction timeline for the proposed improvements will be established once funding for the improvements is secured.

Community Engagement

An open house to share design plans and answer questions about SH 66 Improvements project has not yet been scheduled but is anticipated to occur when the design has progressed to a level with sufficient detail to share with the public. Nearby residents and other interested stakeholders will have an opportunity to participate in the open house and share their thoughts on the project. The event will be promoted through the City of Longmont website, calendar and social media accounts.

Funding

The design services contract for this project has been awarded to RockSol Consulting Group, Inc. for approximately $650,000. Funding is a combination of federal ($450,000), CDOT ($100,000) and local ($100,000) funds. Longmont’s share of the design is being provided by the City's 3/4-cent Street Fund Sales and Use Tax.

Contact

To submit questions, make comments, or receive additional information about the status of this project, please email Project Manager Micah Zogorski.

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Word Viewer