Weld County secures £3M to replace flood-damaged Little Thompson River bridge

Weld County has secured £3 million in grant funding to replace an ageing bridge over the Little Thompson River. The existing structure, damaged in the 2013 Colorado floods, is now considered functionally obsolete. Officials say the new design will improve safety and flood resilience for the 3,000 daily drivers who rely on it. The current bridge, known as Bridge 19/46.5A, sits between Milliken and Johnstown. It suffered severe damage during the 2013 floods, leaving it unable to meet modern safety standards. County officials have long planned a replacement, but funding remained a hurdle.

The new bridge will stretch over 230 feet and be raised significantly higher than the old one. This elevation will allow floodwaters to pass underneath, reducing the risk of future damage. Wider shoulders will also be added to improve safety for vehicles. The £3 million grant, awarded through the Special Highway Committee and Colorado’s Off-System Bridge Program, was originally set at £500,000. However, the Weld County Board of Commissioners later approved an amendment, increasing the total by an additional £2.5 million. While this covers a portion of the £11 million project cost, it eases the financial burden on local taxpayers. Engineers are designing the replacement to withstand a 100-year flood event. The upgrades will bring the structure in line with current standards, ensuring long-term reliability for the busy route.

Construction of the new bridge will address long-standing safety concerns while reducing future flood risks. The project, supported by state and county funding, aims to provide a more durable crossing for the thousands of drivers who use it each day. Work is expected to proceed as additional funding is secured.