Adams County has been awarded $1,499,000 through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program to advance the U.S. 85/120th Avenue Interchange Project, one of the county’s highest-priority transportation improvements.
The BUILD grant will fund the remaining pre-construction work for the project, including final design, continued public and agency engagement, and required state approvals. Although the grant does not fund construction itself, it will prepare the project to compete for future construction funding from federal, state, and regional partners.
“Adams County is thrilled and grateful to receive this BUILD grant and excited to begin taking steps toward the Interchange at U.S. 85 and 120th Avenue and for the positive impact it will have on our residents and economy,” said Julie Duran Mullica, Chair of the Adams County Board of Commissioners. “This is one of our region’s most critical corridors, and this project will support better safety, sustainability, and mobility for both daily commute and freight use.”
The U.S. 85/120th Avenue Interchange Project will replace the existing at-grade Union Pacific Railroad crossing with a grade-separated interchange—a road junction that will use a bridge overpass to route intersecting traffic streams—improving one of the region’s busiest transportation corridors. Once constructed, the project will improve safety, reduce congestion and travel delays, enhance freight mobility, strengthen regional connectivity, and improve pedestrian and bicycle access to Riverdale Regional Park. It will also support the movement of agricultural and energy commodities, reduce transportation barriers between communities and employment centers, and strengthen economic development throughout Adams County.
“This grant provides the momentum needed to move the project into its next phase,” said Janet Lundquist, Director of Public Works. “The funding will allow us to complete the remaining design work and required approvals that position the project for future construction funding. It’s a significant step toward delivering a transportation improvement that has been a priority for Adams County and our regional partners for many years.”
Adams County appreciates the support of its federal, state, and regional partners, including Congressman Gabe Evans, whose letter of support helped advance the County’s BUILD grant application.
