U.S. Highway 287

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.

Aerial image of Highway 287 in the future Glade Reservoir valley.

Minimizing Impacts and Maintaining Access

Northern Water is working closely with the Colorado Department of Transportation, Larimer County, utility providers, property owners and other stakeholders throughout project planning and construction. The project team is committed to maintaining access during construction and after the new roadway is completed, while following industry best practices and coordinating closely with affected landowners to minimize impacts.

 

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.

Public Engagement

The proposed route has been refined through years of public involvement and review, including:

  • An alternative screening open house in 2004
  • Public comment periods as part of the Environmental Impact Statement process in 2008, 2015 and 2018
  • Public hearings conducted in 2008 and 2015
  • The Larimer County Location and Extent Review in 2021

This extensive review process reflects Northern Water’s commitment to transparency, community engagement and developing infrastructure that meets both current and future needs.