U.S. Highway 287 Realignment

Realigning U.S. Highway 287 for Safety and Progress

To make room for Glade Reservoir, approximately seven miles of U.S. Highway 287 will be realigned and relocated east as a two-lane arterial roadway. Construction of the new alignment will be completed before the existing highway is closed, ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow and minimizing disruption to local roads.

But this realignment is more than just a relocation—it’s an opportunity to improve safety and prepare for future traffic demands. The new highway will be designed using modern engineering standards and best practices, extending the long-term safety and functionality of this important corridor.

Minimizing Impacts and Maintaining Access

Northern Water is working closely with:

  • Colorado Department of Transportation
  • Larimer County
  • Utility providers
  • Affected property owners
  • Local stakeholders

Together, we’re committed to maintaining access during construction and after the new roadway opens, while upholding best practices and fostering collaboration with impacted landowners.

Public Engagement and Transparency

The proposed route has been shaped by extensive public input over the years, including:

  • An alternative screening open house in 2004
  • Three Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) public comment periods in 2008, 2015, and 2018
  • Two sets of public hearings in 2008 and 2015
  • The Larimer County Location and Extents Review in 2021

This transparent, multi-year process reflects Northern Water’s commitment to listening to the community and delivering infrastructure that serves both current and future needs.

aerial view of US Highway 287 and proposed relocation
U.S. Highway 287 currently runs through the area where Glade Reservoir will be built. As part of NISP a portion of the highway will be relocated to the east.
Protecting Water-Well Permitting Standards for Landowners

Northern Water is committed to ensuring that landowners retain their water-well permitting rights throughout the U.S. Highway 287 realignment process. In Colorado, parcels of 35 acres or more typically qualify for simplified water-well permitting. When working with landowners to acquire easements for the highway relocation, Northern Water will ensure that any parcel reduced below the 35-acre threshold is handled in a way that preserves well permitting eligibility.

This will be accomplished through:

  • Easement agreements that do not alter parcel boundaries, or
  • A land division process approved specifically to maintain well permitting standards.

Northern Water is committed to working collaboratively with landowners and following best practices to protect property rights and access to water resources.