The Johnstown Town Council has approved a major infrastructure project that will significantly reshape one of the area’s busiest intersections, voting unanimously to move forward with a roundabout at Weld County Roads 13 and 50.
The agreement between the Town of Johnstown and Weld County passed in a 6–0 vote during the May 4 council meeting, with one councilmember absent. The approval allows the project to advance into its next phases of final design, land acquisition, and construction planning.
The project will replace the existing offset intersection with a roundabout and realign Weld County Road 13 to create a more continuous north–south corridor. Town officials say the redesign is intended to improve safety and better accommodate increasing traffic volumes driven by ongoing development in the region.
According to materials presented to the council, the intersection has seen higher crash rates in part due to its current configuration, which requires additional turning movements and can create confusion for drivers. WCR 13 is also considered a key regional route, making long-term improvements to the corridor a priority.
The project was not always expected to take its current form. Initial plans called for a four-way stop with expanded turn lanes, but as engineering work progressed, a roundabout was determined to be a more effective long-term solution. While more expensive upfront, the roundabout design is expected to reduce conflict points and improve traffic flow as volumes increase over time.
The scope of the project includes a full reconstruction of the intersection, realignment of WCR 13, and a mix of concrete and asphalt pavement, along with utility relocation, right-of-way acquisition, and environmental compliance work.
The total estimated cost of the project is approximately $14 million. Under the agreement, Weld County will fund the majority of the project and take the lead on design and construction. The Town of Johnstown will contribute $2,626,472, with additional funding coming from federal transportation sources.
Construction is not expected to begin immediately. Following approval of the agreement, the project will move into final design and coordination phases, including right-of-way acquisition and utility planning. Construction is currently anticipated to begin in the spring of 2027, with completion expected by the end of that year.
Once the project is complete, Weld County will initially be responsible for maintaining the intersection. Over time, as surrounding areas are annexed into the town, Johnstown is expected to assume ownership and long-term maintenance responsibilities.
The project also includes future stormwater considerations, with plans for an upstream detention area to help manage runoff through the corridor as development continues.
The approval of the agreement marks a significant step forward for a project that local officials view as critical to supporting both current traffic demands and future growth. As development continues across northern Colorado, improvements to major corridors like WCR 13 are expected to play an important role in maintaining safe and efficient transportation throughout the region.
