Centre Avenue at Colorado State Closes Permanently; Construction Begins this Summer on College Avenue Underpass

Two major construction projects this spring at Colorado State University will mark the end of vehicle traffic on Centre Avenue between Lake and Pitkin streets.

"The road will close permanently May 15 when work begins on a utility project," said Greg Smith, project manager for Facilities Management. "Following that, work will begin on a $20 million addition and renovation project to the Chemistry Building." The addition will bridge Centre Avenue and connect the Chemistry and Anatomy/Zoology buildings.

When the projects are complete, Centre Avenue between Lake and Pitkin will be a pedestrian-only area. Parking lost on Centre will be absorbed in surrounding "A" lots. Surveys taken through fall and spring, for example, have shown an average of 40 permit spaces available in the Gifford Building parking lot. (Twenty-two "A" spaces currently exist on Centre Avenue.)

Loading zones and state and service vehicles will be accommodated on the east side of Anatomy/Zoology and Microbiology buildings and to the west of the Chemistry Building.

In addition to improved working conditions and increased opportunities for academic programs, the construction will offer an attractive south gateway to campus, Smith said.

College Avenue pedestrian underpass Construction is coming up this summer for a pedestrian tunnel under College Avenue north of Lake Street that will link Colorado State’s main campus and old Fort Collins High School.

Plans call for College Avenue to be closed from 9 p.m. June 16 to 5 a.m. June 19. Traffic will be rerouted to Remington Street.

Single-lane closures will take place before and after the full closure of College Avenue for preparation and completion of the project. The underpass, scheduled for completion in mid-August, will include lighting and other features to ensure pedestrian safety.

Project planning has benefited from the support and assistance of the Colorado Department of Transportation and the city of Fort Collins.

Call Facilities Management at 491-0077 or University Parking Services at 491-7041 for more information.