Heart Improvement Plan (HIP Streets)

Hello, Loveland!

Here are the project updates for next week (6/16/25-6/20/25).

1. Blocks 1 and 2 (Washington to Lincoln) and Block 5 (Garfield to RR Ave.) are fully closed to motorists.
   • Crews are finishing storm sewer installations on Block 1 & 2 and will start installing power and communications conduit and boulder seat walls this week.
   • Crews will be working on water lines and storm drains in Block 5.
2. The Garfield & 4^th Street intersection will remain closed through July 3, 2025. PLEASE NOTE THIS CLOSURE HAS BEEN EXTENDED.
   • Xcel will complete a gasline relocation and is scheduled to tie-over to the new gas main Monday, June 16, 2025.
   • As soon as the gasline has been relocated, storm drain and storm manhole installation will start.
3. Crews will be patching Xcel gas line excavations on Railroad Avenue (east) so that water valve replacement work can continue at this intersection.
4. Crews will be potholing on the east side of Lincoln Avenue between Sweetheart Alley and 4th Street. This work will impact the east sidewalks and parallel parking spots on the east side of the roadway.

Weather permitting, work activities are Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Please contact us with any questions at HipStreets@cityofloveland.org or 970-962-2524.

Thank you for your continued support as we revitalize 4th Street!

Hello, Loveland!

Here are the project updates for next week (6/9/25-6/15/25).

1. Blocks 1 and 2 (Washington to Lincoln) and Block 5 (Garfield to Railroad Avenue) are fully closed to motorists.
2. The Garfield & 4^th Street intersection will remain closed through July 3, 2025.
   • Xcel will be relocating a gasline at the intersection.
   • Following gasline replacements, storm water infrastructure will be installed.
3. The N Railroad & 4^thStreet intersection will be closed June 9, 2025 – June 20, 2025.
   • The south and west accesses will be closed.
   • The east access will be open, along will all parking lots.
   • The north access will be maintained with traffic control and cones.

Weather permitting, work activities are Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Please contact us with any questions at HipStreets@cityofloveland.org or 970-962-2524.

Thank you for your continued support as we revitalize 4th Street!

The Garfield & west Railroad Ave. intersection will be partially closed next week to replace water lines and valves. See the map above for how to travel around Block 5.

Hello, Loveland!

Here are the project updates for the week (6/2/25-6/8/25).

1. Blocks 1 and 2 (Washington to Lincoln Avenues) and Block 5 (Garfield to Railroad Avenue) are fully closed to motorists.
2. The Garfield and 4^thStreet intersection will remain closed through 6/6/25.
   • Xcel will be relocating a gas line at the intersection.
   • Crews will be replacing water lines and valves at the intersection.
3. Crews will utilize a crane next week to set a large diameter water quality manhole at 4^th Street and Jefferson Avenue.

Weather permitting, work activities are Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Please contact us with any questions at HipStreets@cityofloveland.org or 970-962-2524.

Waterline improvements to the intersection of 4th Street and Garfield Avenue

Thank you for your continued patience and support as we revitalized 4th Street!

City of Loveland, Colorado

MEDIA RELEASE

CONTACTS: Illianna Milldrum, Communication and Engagement Specialist, 970-962-2608, Illianna.Milldrum@cityofloveland.org

Heart Improvement Plan will close the intersection of Garfield Avenue and 4th Street on May 27

LOVELAND, Colo. – May 20, 2025 – The Heart Improvement Plan will begin waterline tie-ins at the intersection of Garfield Avenue and 4th Street on Tuesday, May 27, weather permitting. To complete the waterline improvements, the intersection will be closed for approximately four weeks.

The Heart Improvement Plan’s 4th Street Revitalization began Block 5 construction on May 12. Initial activities included removal of the roadway surface and curb and gutter in preparation of waterline replacement activities.

The project’s general working hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. While the project is under construction along 4th Street, sidewalks remain open to pedestrians traveling on 4th Street between Railroad Avenue and N. Garfield Avenue. Business entrances remain open throughout construction.

Why will the Garfield and 4th Street intersection be closed for four weeks?

The intersection will be temporarily closed to connect a new water main on 4th street to the existing water main in the intersection. Additionally, a local utility vendor will be relocating a gas line to allow the construction of a new storm sewer line.

Will the intersection at Garfield Avenue and 4th Street be closed for the duration of the Block 5 improvements?

The intersection will be closed for approximately four weeks. After the utility improvements are completed, the intersection will open to vehicular traffic. However, from W. Railroad to N. Garfield Avenue, the roadway will remain closed to finish Phases 1A and 1B.

What are the detour routes when the intersection of Garfield Avenue and 4th Street are closed?

During the temporary closure, motorists are encouraged to use E. 7th Street, E. 1st Street, Lincoln Avenue and Cleveland Avenue. Local access and parking lots will be maintained for those within the construction zone. Commuters should plan their routes accordingly and expect delays.

What’s next for Block 5?

Utility work on Block 5 will begin with the installation of a new water main and its connection to the existing line at the Garfield intersection. Once the new main is connected, crews will start linking water services and fire lines from nearby businesses to the new main on 4th Street.

Why is Block 5 overlapping with Blocks 1 and 2?

In partnership with the DDA and local business owners, the construction schedule was designed to minimize disruption to local businesses while maximizing construction efficiencies by dividing the project into five blocks. Construction began with Block 1 and Block 2 followed by construction on Block 5, Block 3, and Block 4. Throughout the project, construction on different blocks will overlap, with work starting on some blocks while others are still in progress.

When will Blocks 1 and 2 be completed?

Each phase, including Phase 1A and Phase 1B, is expected to last between six and eight months total with Blocks 1 and 2 scheduled for completion in late fall 2025.

Why will W. Cleveland Avenue to Painters Alley be temporarily closed?

Starting the first week of June, Pourhouse will require a full block closure to install a new fire line as part of their expansion. This work is necessary for them to obtain a certificate of occupancy. As a result, the road will be temporarily closed from W. Cleveland Avenue to Painters Alley for approximately a week. Although the road will be temporarily closed, pedestrian and business access will be maintained throughout this work.

How are businesses being supported during 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 Public Works at 970-962-2524 or email HIPStreets@CityofLoveland.org.

About

In 2009, the City of Loveland Public Works Department 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 is 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, Water, and Power) 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.

Weather permitting, Xcel Energy will relocate gas lines in E. Railroad Avenue at the south and north corners of the 4th Street and E. Railroad Avenue intersection starting next week. To safely complete this work, Xcel Energy will reduce E. Railroad Avenue to one-lane with flaggers controlling northbound and southbound traffic at the intersection for about a week. East to west traffic on 4th Street and E. Railroad Avenue will remain open, with flaggers on site to help direct drivers.

Work will take place Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Commuters should expect delays while traveling through the area.

For questions about this work, contact Shelley Aschenbrenner at 970-962-2558 or Michelle.Aschenbrenner@cityofloveland.org.

Hello, Loveland!

Here are the project updates for next week (5/19/25-5/25/25).

• Blocks 1 and 2 (Washington to Lincoln) and Block 5 (Garfield to RR Ave.) are fully closed to motorists. All parking lots are open, and businesses are accessible to people walking.
• Waterline installation on Block 5 will start Monday, May 19 within the current closure area of Block 5.
• On Tuesday, May 27, the Garfield & 4^th intersection will be closed while crews tie-in waterlines on the north, south, and west sides of the intersection.
• Crews will be installing new storm sewer in Block 2 (Jefferson to Lincoln).

Weather permitting, work activities are Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Please contact us with any questions at HipStreets@cityofloveland.org or 970-962-2524.

Thank you for your continued patience and support as we revitalized 4th Street!

City of Loveland, Colorado

MEDIA RELEASE

CONTACTS: Illianna Milldrum, Communication and Engagement Specialist, 970-962-2608, Illianna.Milldrum@cityofloveland.org

Heart Improvement Plan prepares for Block 5 construction on May 12

LOVELAND, Colo. – May 2, 2025 – The Heart Improvement Plan will begin work on Block 5 (W. Railroad Avenue to N. Garfield Avenue) starting Monday, May 12, weather permitting. Preparations include a closure from W. Railroad Avenue to N. Garfield Avenue from crosswalk to crosswalk. Block 5 will begin with milling operations by removing asphalt and then water line improvements. During the closure, vehicular traffic will not be accessible; however, pedestrian fencing will be installed to allow walkability through the site and maintain business access.

Additionally, crews will focus on removing planters and preparing the site with concrete cuts into sidewalks and curbs. The project’s general working hours will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

What’s the construction schedule now for Blocks 1, 2 and 5?
Construction will continue on Blocks 1 and 2 for the remaining utility and streetscape improvements over the next several months. Blocks 1 and 2 are scheduled to be fully completed in late fall 2025. Following the same sequence as Blocks 1 and 2, Block 5 will enter Phase 1A with utility improvements, followed by Phase 1B with streetscape enhancements. Phase 1A and 1B work are projected to be completed within six to eight months.

What traffic impacts can be expected during Block 5?

Traffic should follow posted detours to safely navigate around the Block 5 closure. This phase will also include short-term sidewalk closures, during which mid-block crossings will be installed to help minimize walking distances to all businesses. Posted detour signs will be in place to help navigate the area. Businesses will remain accessible for pedestrian access. Pedestrians will be directed through the construction zone using designated fencing.

What are the detour routes for the Block 5 closure?

During the closure, motorists are encouraged to use the designated detour routes via E. 7th Street, E. 1st Street, Lincoln Avenue, and Cleveland Avenue. Local access will be maintained for those within the construction zone. Throughout the duration of construction, pedestrian access will be maintained but rerouted around the active construction areas based on the current phase of work. Commuters should plan their routes accordingly and expect delays.

Why is Block 5 overlapping with Blocks 1 and 2?

In partnership with the DDA and local business owners, the construction schedule was designed to minimize disruption to local businesses while maximizing construction efficiencies by dividing the project into five blocks. Construction began with Block 1 and Block 2, the next segments to the project will be Block 5, Block 3, and Block 4. Throughout the project, construction on different blocks will overlap, with work starting on some blocks while others are still in progress.

What’s next for Block 1?
To date, the City of Loveland’s water utility division has completed utility infrastructure improvements in Block 1, which connected new waterlines to existing lines from Washington to Jefferson Avenue. Additionally, the project has installed 675 linear feet of new water main and 13 water service lines. Although Block 1 has completed the waterline improvements, the project will need to install the remaining utilities for Phase 1A. After these improvements are completed, Phase 1B will occur in summer 2025. The Phase 1B streetscape enhancements include sidewalk improvements, landscaping, planters and site amenities.

When will Blocks 1 and 2 be completed?

Each phase, including Phase 1A and Phase 1B, is expected to last between six and eight months total with Blocks 1 and 2 scheduled for completion in late fall 2025.

How to support the Heart Improvement Plan’s 4^th Street revitalization project?

As construction progresses along 4^th 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 Public Works 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 is 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, Water, and Power) 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.

Hello, Loveland!

Here are the project updates for next week (4/28/25-5/02/25):

1. Crews continue waterline construction in Block 2 (Jefferson to Lincoln).
2. The E. 4^th Street and Washington Avenue intersection is fully closed to motorist. It is on schedule to be open by Monday, May 5. Replacement of an old, brick manhole in the intersection will allow for storm drains to be installed to the west.
3. ADVANCE NOTICE: Block 5 (Garfield to Railroad Avenue) construction will start in early May.

Weather permitting, work activities are Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Please contact us with any questions at HipStreets@cityofloveland.org or 970-962-2524.

Thank you for your continued patience and support as we revitalized 4th Street!

Hello, Loveland!

Here are the project updates for next week (4/21/25-4/25/25):

1. Block 1 waterline construction is complete! (Washington to Jefferson Avenue). Crews are now focused on waterline construction in Block 2 (Jefferson to Lincoln Avenues).
2. The E. 4^th Street & Washington Avenue intersection is fully closed and will remain closed for an additional two weeks. Waterline tie-ins at the intersection are complete and crews are working on storm drain connections. Completion of the storm manholes will allow storm water in 4th Street to continue west.
3. ADVANCE NOTICE: Block 5 (Garfield to Railroad Avenue) construction will start early May.

Weather permitting, work activities are Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Please contact us with any questions at HipStreets@cityofloveland.org or 970-962-2524.

Thank you for your continued patience and support as we revitalized 4th Street!

Hello, Loveland!

Here are the project updates for next week (4/14/25 – 4/20/25).

1. The E. 4^th Street and Washington Avenue intersection will be closed for approximately 2 to 3 weeks. See press release.
2. During this closure, the new waterline and storm drains will be connected at E. 4^th Street and Washington Avenue.
3. Water meter replacements and fire line installations on Block 2 (Lincoln to Jefferson).

Weather permitting, work activities are Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Please contact us with any questions at HipStreets@cityofloveland.org or 970-962-2524.

Thank you for your continued patience and support as we revitalized 4th Street!