FOR RELEASE: Heart Improvement Plan will begin utility work on Cleveland Avenue next Monday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Heart Improvement Plan will begin utility work on Cleveland Avenue next Monday
LOVELAND, Colo. – Jan. 23, 2026 – Weather permitting, the Heart Improvement Plan will begin utility tie-in work at the intersection of Cleveland Avenue and east 4th Street next Monday, Jan.26. To complete the necessary water and stormwater system improvements across the intersection, there will be alternating lane shifts and single-lane closures on Cleveland Avenue for approximately 12 weeks. While access will be maintained along this major corridor, travelers should expect delays.c
General working hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday with optional Saturday hours. During construction, business entrances and sidewalks remain open on 4th Street between Lincoln and Cleveland Avenues.
Below are more specific Frequently Asked Questions that may be helpful.
Why will the work on Cleveland Avenue be under construction for 12 weeks?
To complete the final water and stormwater repairs for Block 3, the project will require utility installation across the intersection. During this phase, at least one southbound travel lane on Cleveland will remain open to maintain traffic flow. Utility installation must happen in a set order to prioritize the deepest utility first —starting with water lines, then moving to storm. As these improvements are made, lanes will shift from east to west to accommodate the construction zones. Before construction begins, “No Park” signs will be placed between east 3rd Street and 4th Streets.
When will the work at Cleveland Avenue and 4th Street be completed?
We anticipate this work to be completed by late spring of 2026, weather permitting.
What are the recommended detour routes during the Cleveland Avenue and 4th Street work?
Motorists are encouraged to use east 7th Street, east 1st Street, Washington and Lincoln Avenues. Commuters should plan their routes accordingly and expect delays. The traveling public may also reference the City of Loveland’s downtown map at lovgov.org/DowntownParking to find free, available parking throughout construction.
What’s the status for completing the remaining three blocks?
Block 3 construction is expected to be completed in late summer, and Block 5 construction is anticipated to be completed in March 2026. Block 4 construction will begin in February.
What construction activity will take place on 3rd Street and Railroad Avenue?
3rd Street
The City of Loveland has scheduled the installation of new crosswalks at 3rd Street and Cleveland Avenue to coincide with utility work along Cleveland Avenue. Coordinating construction at both locations improves project efficiency and helps minimize traffic impacts for commuters. Construction of the crosswalks at 3rd Street are expected to take approximately four weeks and is scheduled to begin in early March.
Railroad Avenue
One of the most deteriorated areas of sidewalk, roadway, and underground utility infrastructure within the 4th Street Revitalization Project is located near the railroad, between west Railroad Avenue and east Railroad Avenue. To complete these improvements, various lane shifts and full intersection closures will be necessary throughout the construction period.
In addition, coordinating work alongside the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway introduces added complexity, including additional permitting requirements and coordination with a federal partner. Construction in the Railroad Avenue area is scheduled to begin in early February and is expected to be completed in March. Commuters are encouraged to stay alert to construction and detour signage to safely navigate the area.
Is the project on schedule?
Due to favorable weather in late December and early January, the project has progressed ahead of schedule and key milestones have been met. The project is currently one week ahead; however, significant snowfall could impact future work activities. The Heart Improvement Plan's 4th Street Revitalization Project should be substantially completed by the 2026 holiday season.
How to support the Heart Improvement Plan’s 4th Street revitalization project?
As construction progresses along 4th Street, the City of Loveland and Loveland Downtown Development Authority are dedicated to providing comprehensive support to downtown businesses during construction. To help business owners effectively communicate with customers about key details such as construction schedules, road closures, parking options, and project outcomes, a Downtown Loveland Business Owner’s Toolkit has been developed. This toolkit includes customizable Canva templates for social media, print signage, parking maps, and FAQs, along with communication tips to help businesses share important updates with customers throughout the construction process. Downtown business owners are encouraged to visit downtownloveland.org/heart-improvement-plan to access this toolkit.
How to stay in the loop?
Additional project details including construction phasing maps, images and other project updates, can be found at lovgov.org/HIPStreets. To stay informed throughout construction, stakeholders can sign up for the Heart Improvement Plan project newsletter at go.lovgov.org/SubscribetoHIP. For questions about this project or to contact the project team, call the Public Works Department at 970-962-2524 or email HIPStreets@CityofLoveland.org.
About
In 2009, the City of Loveland developed the conceptual plan for the Heart Improvement Plan (HIP Streets), which explored opportunities to enhance the streets within the historic core of downtown Loveland. In 2017, after gathering public input, the plan was modernized to include a thoughtful and cost-effective approach to revitalizing 19 core blocks of Downtown Loveland. The first phase of the Heart Improvement Plan – the 4th Street Revitalization – addresses the five blocks along 4th Street that extend from N. Garfield Avenue to N. Washington Avenue. The current effort has the City’s Public Works Department focused on improving 4th Street through streetscape enhancements, while the City of Loveland Water and Power Department works on upgrades to the utility infrastructure beneath the road. As this project is a significant effort, the City of Loveland and the Loveland Downtown Development Authority (DDA) have come together to finally bring this portion of the Heart Improvement Plan to fruition.
Project Funding
The Loveland City Council, with a unanimous vote, approved the Certificates of Participation (COPs) financing method providing funding for the Heart Improvement Plan’s 4th Street Revitalization project on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. The project will be funded using a combination of Utility Enterprise Funds and COPs. Utility Enterprise Funds (Stormwater and Utilities) will provide $12 million of the project cost, with the remaining $12.5 million funded by COPs. The total estimated program cost for the project is $24.5 million. No General Funds will be utilized or allocated to construct this project.
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CONTACTS: Illianna Milldrum, City of Loveland, Communication & Engagement Specialist
970-962-2608, Illianna.Milldrum@cityofloveland.org
Abby Powell, Downtown Development Authority, Assistant Director
970-541-0605, apowell@lovelandpartnership.org
