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North Shields Street (County Road 17) Corridor Improvements

Larimer County Project No. 301
Replacement of Bridge No. 17-0.5-48 over the Poudre River and
Road Reconstruction of North Shields Street (County Road 17) from the Arthur Ditch to Willox Lane

Last Updated: January 9, 2012

Project Update Newsletter

North Shields Street (County Road 17) is a major arterial connection between Fort Collins and northern portions of unincorporated Larimer County. It is often utilized by regional traffic to and from US Highway 287. The corridor is also a major access point for the regional Poudre River Trail.

Concerns on this stretch of roadway include:

Structurally deficient* and narrow river bridge with poor roadway approaches
Heavy vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic
No turn lanes
Poudre River Trailhead poorly defined
No safe parking
No bicycle/pedestrian facilities
High number of access points
Relatively high number of accidents

*this bridge has been classified as structurally deficient
due to scour (erosion of materials) around the pier.

Larimer County has applied for and received three federal grants to make improvements to North Shields Street (County Road 17) from just north of Vine Drive to Willox Lane in northwest Fort Collins. One grant is to replace the bridge over the Poudre River, another is to make improvements to Shields Street between the Arthur Ditch and Willox Lane and the third is to provide a trailhead/parking area for the Poudre River Trail.

While the overall project goal is to improve safety, separate the various modes of travel (vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians) and provide a refuge for turning vehicles, the details of the improvements have not yet been identified.

Project goals include:

Safe bridge
Improved traffic flow
Increased safety
Facilities for bike and pedestrians
Parking for trailhead

An engineering team has been selected and design will begin this spring. Construction is slated for 2014.

Public Information and Input

This is an important componant of the project and County staff encourage input and feedback from citizens, especially as design occurs throughout 2012.

Project Newsletters will be posted when new information is available.

Public meetings/Open houses will take place as the project progresses. A pre-design open house was held June 16th to gather initial input. Open house materials:

Design is now beginning. Look for a public Open House to discuss concept drawings in late spring, 2012. Feel free to contact staff below with questions, comments or concerns.

CONTACT:

Ron Winne
Project Manager
(970) 498-5713
Send e-mail

Martina Wilkinson
Traffic Engineer
(970) 498-5731
Send e-mail