River access near Mall Road to close during Estes Park water project
Public access to the Big Thompson River east of Estes Park’s Mall Road bridge will close in early September through anticipated mid-October as crews install a 12-inch water main. The broader project runs through 2026.
Public access to the Big Thompson River east of the Mall Road bridge in Estes Park will be restricted beginning in early September while crews work on a water infrastructure project, the town said. The closure is expected to remain in place until active construction in that area is completed, anticipated in mid-October.
The Mall Road Looping Project will install a 12-inch water main connecting the existing system from Joel Estes Drive to U.S. 34. The work includes crossings of the Big Thompson River, the Lake Estes siphon and U.S. 34, with the loop intended to improve water quality and stabilize pressure in the northeastern water service area.
According to the town’s project information, overall construction is scheduled to continue through the end of 2026. Work at the U.S. 34 crossing is planned for weeknights from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. beginning in mid-October, with flaggers controlling one-way traffic; that portion is expected to take up to 10 working days.
The project was awarded July 7 to High Plains–E-Z Excavation JV LLP for $7,789,950. Questions may be directed to Jacqui Wesley, the town’s utilities project manager, at jwesley@estes.org.