Drivers traveling through central Johnstown will need to plan for a significant detour later this month as a section of State Highway 60/South First Street closes completely for railroad crossing work.
The closure will begin Friday, Sept. 18 at 8 p.m. and continue through Monday, Sept. 21 at 5 p.m., according to a notice posted by the Town of Johnstown. Great Western Railway will use the closure to replace the railroad crossing on Highway 60 between South Denver Avenue and South Raymond Avenue/Johnstown Center Drive.
The affected stretch of Highway 60 will be closed in full, meaning through traffic will not be able to use the crossing during the project.
Detour Will Send Drivers North Around Closure
The Town’s posted detour map directs drivers north of Highway 60 before reconnecting with the highway east or west of the closure.
The route shown by the Town uses county roads north of Johnstown, creating a considerably longer trip than the normal drive through the Highway 60 corridor. Drivers traveling across town during the closure should allow additional time and consider alternate routes before leaving.
Highway 60 is one of Johnstown’s primary transportation corridors, providing east-west access through the community and connections to surrounding county roads. The Town also identifies Highway 60 as one of the major highways providing direct access to Johnstown.
Work Focused on Great Western Railway Crossing
The project involves replacement of the Great Western Railway track crossing the highway. Johnstown is served by both Great Western Railway of Colorado and Union Pacific Railroad, according to the Town’s economic development information.
The Town announced the upcoming closure on Sept. 8 and urged motorists to review the detour and plan their travel routes accordingly.
The closure is separate from other transportation and infrastructure projects underway around Johnstown, including improvements along several local road corridors.
Closure Details
What: Great Western Railway railroad crossing replacement
Where: State Highway 60/S. First Street between South Denver Avenue and South Raymond Avenue/Johnstown Center Drive
Closure begins: Friday, Sept. 18 at 8 p.m.
Scheduled reopening: Monday, Sept. 21 at 5 p.m.
Impact: Full road closure with a posted detour
Drivers should expect additional travel time throughout the weekend and follow the Town’s posted detour signs while the crossing is closed.
