The City of Longmont commissioned a study of the southwest portion of the City’s major roadway network in 2018. The most significant finding of that study was that the intersection at CO 119 and Hover Street will not meet the future needs of the traveling public after accounting for projected growth. The City joined with CDOT and Boulder County to apply for a federal RAISE grant to increase safety and mobility all along the CO 119 corridor including proactively improving this key intersection that acts as a gateway between Longmont and Boulder County.
The goal of the Hover St and CO119 project is to reconstruct the existing intersection to reduce traffic delays, decrease emissions and improve safety for all users.
Longmont City staff have worked closely with the CDOT design team as this project has been developed, ensuring the project details align with City transportation objectives such as promoting the City’s Vision Zero goals, providing additional infrastructure for those travelling on foot or by bicycle and creating a welcoming entry point into Longmont.
The Izaak Walton Reach 2 project will increase the channel capacity to safely contain 100-year flood water levels. Once work is completed in this reach, the floodplain to the north of the St. Vrain Creek will be mitigated, protecting lower downtown from future flood risk. The Greenway Trail will be reestablished as be a 10-ft wide concrete path with a 3-ft wide gravel shoulder.
Safety
Reduce crashes by 40-50% by eliminating 20+ vehicle conflict points and shortening pedestrian crossings.
Efficiency
Approximately 50% reduction in peak-hour delays so drivers spend less time idling and can clear the intersection without multiple light cycles.
Environment
There will be a 28% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, while also improving pedestrian and trail connectivity.
The CO 119 & Hover Street project is a major improvement to one of Longmont’s busiest intersections. It will make travel safer, reduce congestion, and cut down on pollution by building a new westbound overpass and redesigning the intersection for smoother, more predictable traffic flow.
The intersection currently experiences heavy delays, safety risks, and frequent crashes. Without improvements, congestion could cause delays of more than five minutes per trip during peak hours. The new design addresses these issues before they worsen.
The project removes up to 21 potential crash points and adds protected-only left turns, reducing all crashes by nearly 50%. Pedestrian crossing distances are 75% shorter, and there is better visibility plus refuge/waiting areas to improve overall safety.
Average delays drop by about 50%. Smarter signals prioritize the busiest movement—eastbound CO 119 to northbound Hover—helping drivers pass through with fewer stops and less waiting.
Reduced idling and smoother flow will cut greenhouse gas emissions by 28%. New sidewalk and bikeway trail connections encourage walking and biking.
A full interchange would cost far more, require much more space, and provide limited extra benefit. The westbound overpass is a targeted, cost-effective solution that minimizes community impacts and improves safety for all modes of traffic.
No. All business access points remain open during and after construction, with no loss of parking.
The design includes a three-span bridge that looks open and welcoming. CDOT and the City of Longmont are exploring visual enhancements to make it a gateway feature.
Crossings will be much shorter and safer. The project connects to Longmont’s trail network and adds new crosswalks with flashing beacons and added lighting for improved visibility. Installation of the Bikeway and added improvements at the Hover intersection along with added wayfinding signage will help pedestrians and bicyclists safely navigate through this area.
Construction schedules are being finalized. Work will be planned to minimize traffic disruptions and maintain business access throughout the process.
The Colorado Department of Transportation is leading the effort in partnership with the cities of Longmont and Boulder, Boulder County, RTD and many others.
Updates will be available through CDOT’s CO 119 Safety, Mobility & Bikeway Improvements project webpage and future online presentations. Residents and businesses are encouraged to share feedback as the project progresses.
No, studies have shown the bridge will not add noise for the surrounding areas.
The project is providing alternate routes that are safer, with improved signage to get pedestrians and bicyclists where they want to go.
The project is designed to be a part of a corridor vision, connecting Boulder and Longmont and other adjacent communities and providing mobility options for commuters. The new Diagonal Bikeway is connected on its north end with the existing trails in the City of Longmont. One of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stops is at CO 119 and Hover intersection. Improvements at this intersection will only add to improved safety for all users, an improvement of traffic operations and connectivity.
