Project Overview#
The Oak Street project is part of the Downtown Stormwater Improvement Program (DSIP) and will help to resolve flooding issues in downtown Fort Collins. The project extends from Mason St. to City Park and began at Mason Street in July 2024.
Additionally and in preparation for the stormwater project, the City will be replacing the water main from Grant Avenue to Jackson Avenue, and Xcel Energy will be replacing the gas main from Meldrum Street to Jackson Avenue.
The map below shows the general locations and projected timeline for the projects.
Stormwater Project: Dec 20 Update#
Please note that all updates moving forward will occur biweekly on Fridays instead of Thursdays.
Ongoing#
- 300 Block Oak Street: ongoing installation of storm pipe; Oak and Meldrum intersection is now closed to traffic due to construction activities in this area
- Canyon Avenue: flatwork installation (curb and gutter and sidewalk)
- Howes Street: concrete work on the east side of intersection; pedestrian crossings closed in all directions
- 500 and 600 Blocks Oak Street: installation of inlet laterals; Whitcomb intersection to open this week.
Upcoming#
- Howes Street: northbound lane closure starting January 6th for concrete pavement
- Howes Street: southbound lane closure starting late January for concrete pavement
- 500 and 600 Blocks Oak Street: installation of inlet laterals
Important Notices#
- Holiday Week: There will be no active construction work occuring during the week of December 23-27th. We will be checking in on the jobsite daily. Please contact the project manager if you notice any issues at the site during this time.
Art in Public Places Highlight#
Acumen with artist Mark Aeling at the Northern Colorado Law Enforcement Training Center
As part of the Oak Street Stormwater Improvement Project, the City’s Art in Public Places Program is working with the Project Team and Saint Petersburg, FL, artist Mark Aeling to incorporate art into the project.
Nationally recognized sculptor Mark Aeling received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture from Colorado State University, Fort Collins, and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Sculpture from Washington University, St. Louis, MO. Shortly after earning his MFA, he opened MGA Sculpture Studio (now located in Saint Petersburg, Florida). The studio has focused on representational and abstract figurative work as well as architectural ornament and restoration. Mark engages with clients around the country and thrives on the creative problem solving of sculpture utilizing the challenges to constantly expand the parameters of his work. For more information about Mark please visit: www.mgasculpture.com
Please return to this site for occasional updates on what Mark Aeling and the Project Team plan for this APP Project. For more information about the City’s APP Program and other APP projects around the city, please visit: www.fcgov.com/artspublic
Current Road Closures#
Schedule#
Full Project Segment Map#
Water Project#
Work has been completed for the remainder of 2024. The project will pick back up again in Spring 2025.
Estimated Construction Timeline#
FAQ#
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There will be full roadway closures on Oak Street and other adjoining blocks where pipeline construction is occurring. Residents with alley access to their lots will be encouraged to utilize the alleyways as much as possible when the roadway is closed on their block. Residents that don’t have alley access will need to park on adjacent blocks. Sidewalk access to property frontage will generally remain open or detours for pedestrians will also be posted.
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Sidewalk access to business property frontage will generally remain open. There will be some intersection and crosswalks closed during streetscape construction. During those times, detours for pedestrians will be posted.
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You can expect large construction operations, including heavy equipment, dirt hauling and associated noise and dust during the construction period.
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Stormwater system improvements include flood control measures as well as stormwater quality improvements such as rain gardens at Howes, Washington and Jackson. Rain gardens are systems that filter pollutants out of stormwater before it makes its way downstream to the Poudre River. As such, significant streetscape improvements to these same intersections will be made.
Other improvements being made as part of the Oak Street project include a new water main from Grant to Jackson Street, and a new gas main (Xcel Energy project) from Meldrum to Jackson Street.
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On-street parking will not be available on the blocks where active construction is occurring. Generally, the construction zone will be limited to 2 or 3 blocks at a time and automobile detours will be posted to reroute drivers.
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While we do anticipate ongoing construction adjacent to City Park during the summer months, we don’t anticipate a large impact on any events at City Park during those times. There will be reduced on-street parking near the Oak/Jackson intersection and along Jackson north of Oak Street, but existing parking will generally be available otherwise.
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Yes, water services may be shut off for short periods of time (4 hours or less) during active construction of the water or storm mains. We will let you know at least 24 hours in advance of any shut-off.
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Yes, its possible that either gas or electricity may be shut off for short periods of time during active construction.
Important Notices#
Did You Know?
Leaving grass clippings where they fall adds nutrients to the soil. A mulching mower chops grass into small pieces.
Mowing bluegrass 2.5"-3" tall will promote deeper rooting and shade the plant's root zone. Never cut more than 1/3 of the leaf blade.
Mowing with a dull blade tears grass and stresses the lawn. Always be sure to mow with a sharp mower blade.