Mountain Avenue to Close for Final Phase of Water Main Replacement
Fort Collins Utilities will close Mountain Avenue between Scott and McKinley avenues starting the week of Aug. 25 as crews begin the final phase of the Oak Street Water System Improvement Project. The closure is expected to last through late September, weather permitting.
The project involves replacing aging water mains to enhance system reliability, improve fire flow capacity, and protect water quality. Crews will work Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the active construction zone that extends from the Jackson and Mountain avenues intersection east to Pearl Street.
Traffic and Access Details
The road will be closed to through traffic in both directions, but residents will maintain access to their homes throughout construction, though vehicle access may be limited at times. Pedestrians can continue using sidewalks during the work.
For drivers needing to travel east-west through the area, alternative routes include Laporte Avenue to the north and Mulberry Street to the south.
Project Background
The water main replacement is preparing the corridor for upcoming stormwater infrastructure upgrades under the separate Oak Street Stormwater Improvement Project. Fort Collins Utilities typically replaces water mains based on age, material type, leak history, and capacity concerns, according to the city's Water and Wastewater Design Criteria Manual.
Many of the city's central water pipes date from the early-to-mid 20th century, meaning the mains being replaced are likely 60 to 100 years old.
The water utility's capital improvements are funded through utility rates from customer bills, plant investment fees, and sometimes bonds or grants. Fort Collins' 2025-2026 adopted budget allocates $65.3 million for environmental health improvements and $162 million for safe community projects, which include water, wastewater, and stormwater upgrades.
"This work will consist of replacing aging water mains to enhance system reliability, improve fire flow capacity, and protect water quality," said Beck Anderson, utilities project manager.
For more information about the project, residents can call 970-212-2900 or V/TDD 711.