What's Happening?
A significant stretch of U.S. Highway 287 between Laramie and Fort Collins will be realigned and partially submerged under the new Glade Reservoir. Northern Water, the public water agency overseeing the project, is constructing the $2.7 billion reservoir
as part of the Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP) to provide municipal water to growing cities in Northern Colorado. Approximately seven miles of U.S. 287 will be shifted one ridge east, with about 4.5 miles of the existing route being replaced. The old highway will eventually lie more than 200 feet beneath the water of the reservoir, which is designed to be roughly 5 miles long and hold 170,000 acre-feet of water. Construction on the new road is expected to begin in late 2027, with major reservoir construction starting in early 2028, according to Northern Water spokesman Jeff Stahla.
Why It's Important?
This project is critical for addressing the long-term water supply needs of Northern Colorado's growing population, ensuring sustainable access to municipal water. The realignment of a major U.S. highway represents a substantial infrastructure undertaking, impacting regional transportation and potentially altering travel patterns between Laramie and Fort Collins. The project's $2.7 billion cost, funded by participating Northern Colorado municipal water providers, highlights the significant investment required for water security. Furthermore, the NISP has been the subject of over two decades of environmental studies, public hearings, and legal battles, underscoring the complex interplay between development, environmental concerns, and public interest in large-scale infrastructure projects. The settlement with environmental groups, including a $100 million commitment to benefit the Poudre River, demonstrates efforts to mitigate environmental impacts.
What's Next?
Construction on the new U.S. 287 alignment is slated to begin in late 2027, with the new highway expected to be completed before the existing one is closed. Major construction for Glade Reservoir itself is anticipated to start in early 2028, with dam building projected to take about four years. Northern Water plans to begin slowly filling the reservoir during the 2032 runoff season, with more substantial filling in 2033 and 2034. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) are also undertaking separate safety projects on U.S. 287, including widening and improving sections, which will continue concurrently with the reservoir project. These developments will reshape the transportation landscape and water infrastructure of the region for decades.
Beyond the Headlines
The Glade Reservoir project and the associated highway realignment represent a profound transformation of the natural and built environment in Northern Colorado. It highlights the long-term planning and resource allocation required to support urban growth in arid regions. The project's history of legal challenges and environmental negotiations underscores the increasing scrutiny and public engagement surrounding large infrastructure developments, particularly those impacting natural resources like rivers. The submergence of a section of U.S. 287 also serves as a tangible example of how human development can permanently alter landscapes, creating new geographical features while erasing old ones. This project reflects a broader national trend of balancing economic development and population growth with environmental stewardship and resource management.
