JOHNSTOWN, Colo. — The Johnstown Town Council unanimously approved a nearly $798,000 construction contract Monday for resurfacing Weld County Road 15 between WCR 44 and the Little Thompson Bridge, with work expected to begin in September and continue through approximately mid-November.
Council voted 7-0 on Aug. 17 to award the project to Mountain Constructors Inc. The contract totals $797,945, including $125,795 for bridge guardrail improvements. Council also authorized an additional 10% construction contingency for the project.
The guardrail work was included after deficiencies were identified during a 2025 Colorado Department of Transportation bridge inspection. By completing those improvements as part of the resurfacing project, the Town will address both pavement conditions and identified bridge safety issues during the same construction period.
Construction expected from September through mid-November
Construction is expected to begin in September 2026, with substantial completion anticipated around mid-November. The schedule places the work through much of the fall and overlaps with the October harvest season.
WCR 15 will be closed to through traffic during construction, with motorists directed to use Colorado Boulevard as the primary alternate route. The closure will temporarily change travel patterns for residents and other drivers who regularly use WCR 15 and could result in additional traffic along Colorado Boulevard until the project is complete.
The closure will also directly affect agricultural operations along the project corridor. During Monday’s council discussion, Town officials said three farmers will be affected by the closure. Because the construction schedule extends into October, the Town and contractor plan to coordinate with those farmers to maintain necessary access and minimize disruption during harvest.
Resurfacing and bridge work combined
The project covers the section of WCR 15 from WCR 44 north to the Little Thompson Bridge. In addition to resurfacing the roadway, the approved contract includes the $125,795 guardrail alternate associated with deficiencies found during CDOT’s 2025 bridge inspection.
For the community, the project will mean several weeks of detours and altered traffic patterns while construction is underway. Residents who normally use WCR 15 will need to rely on Colorado Boulevard during the closure, while nearby agricultural operators will work with the Town and contractor to preserve access during harvest.
Once completed, the project will provide a newly resurfaced section of WCR 15 along with upgraded bridge guardrails.
