In This Issue:

Updates from the North Front Range MPO

• Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day Event
• Public Involvement Plan (PIP) Kickoff
• VanGo™ Wishes You a Safe Start to 2026
• Planning Council and TAC Elections
• 2025 Coordinated Plan Adoption

Updates from our Partner Agencies

• City of Fort Collins: Power Trail Underpass Project Updates
• CDOT: Tips for a Safe Winter Driving Season
• CDOT: US 34 Railroad Crossing Elimination Study Updates
• Spin: Adaptive Trike Rentals in Fort Collins
• GoNoCo34 TMO: Become a TMO Member

Get Involved!

Read on for the latest transportation updates in the North Front Range.

On November 14, 2025, GOAL High School in Greeley, Colorado, partnered with the NFRMPO to celebrate Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, an event honoring the courage and legacy of civil rights icon Ruby Bridges. At just six years old, Ruby Bridges made history in 1960 by integrating an all-white elementary school in Louisiana, a milestone that continues to inspire generations.

This year’s event combined historical reflection with a focus on active transportation and community engagement. Students kicked off the day with an organized walk, learning about local mobility resources and the extensive trail network that encourages walking and biking throughout Northern Colorado. The event wasn’t just about movement; it was about empowerment and education.

At the event, participants were also introduced to local resources on transportation and mobility and learned about the extensive trail systems available throughout the region, encouraging walking, biking, and other active modes of transportation. To add an educational twist, students participated in a poetry contest with the prompt: “Transportation, share a favorite memory or a challenge you’ve faced.” The contest sparked heartfelt reflections and creativity. Two winners were awarded brand-new bicycles, giving them the freedom to enjoy the region’s trails and embrace active mobility.

The Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day not only honored a pivotal moment in American history but also strengthened community ties, promoted physical activity, and highlighted the benefits of sustainable transportation. Through initiatives like this, the NFRMPO and GOAL High School continue to champion values of inclusion, health, and environmental stewardship, creating a brighter, more connected future for students and families in Northern Colorado.

The first place winner of the Ruby Bridges Poetry Contest with their new bike

Public Involvement Plan (PIP) Kickoff

Every four years, the NFRMPO updates its Public Involvement Plan (PIP), which identifies the NFRMPO’s goals, desired outcomes, and strategies for the public and stakeholder engagement process. Additionally, the PIP identifies what the public should expect from the NFRMPO, including accessible and transparent information, and acknowledgment of the public’s opinions, values, and needs.  

The 2026 PIP will include details on how the public and stakeholders will be engaged in the NFRMPO’s planning process. This document provides schedules, public comment opportunities, how to stay up to date with the NFRMPO, and information on our current and future engagement strategies. Utilizing the various strategies identified within this document, the two parties will be engaged early and often, with an understanding of how their feedback will be incorporated into the planning process. The NFRMPO strives to meet members of the public where they are and make engagement an easy and accessible process. Furthermore, active participation by a range of stakeholders improves the understanding of different viewpoints, different needs and concerns, and helps to identify common goals across the region. 

The NFRMPO is conducting a short two-minute public survey focused on the best ways for us to reach members of the public. To have your voice heard, take the survey here.

VanGo™ Wishes You a Safe Start to 2026

Winter (e.g. snow) has arrived and, with it, the need for even more attentive driving! 

Our VanGo™ vans are meticulously maintained by the fine people at the City of Ft. Collins and City of Greeley Maintenance. This ensures that every route is prepared for safe winter driving. 

But, even with meticulous maintenance, winter conditions call for special driving considerations. Below are three often overlooked tips for this season whether you’re commuting via vanpool or in your personal vehicle. 

Lights:

While these should be checked regularly, with darker commutes and possible needs for flasher use, ensuring all lights are in working order is an important aspect of being prepared. 

Windshield Wipers:

Snow can obscure your vision, so be prepared to ensure you have the best, and saftest, outlook. Check wiper fluid regularly and top-off as needed. Install new windshield wipers at first sign of wear (e.g. streaking or failure to clean). 

Plan Your Commute:

https://www.cotrip.org is a great resource to look at before heading out. Knowing what you may encounter on your journey will allow you to plan accordingly so you arrive safely and on time. 

Shane Armstrong , CAFM 

Operations & Fleet Manager 

Planning Council and TAC Elections

2026 Planning Council Chair

Kristin Stephens, Larimer County Commissioner

2026 Planning Council Vice Chair

Liz Heid, Town of Eaton Mayor Pro Tem

At their December meeting, the North Front Range Transportation & Air Quality Planning Council (NFRT&AQPC) elected new officers to serve during 2026. The Planning Council voted to elect Kristin Stephens, Larimer County Commissioner as Planning Council Chair and Liz Heid, Eaton Mayor Pro Tem, as Vice-Chair. Johnny Olson, City of Greeley Councilmember, will serve as Immediate Past-Chair. The Planning Council officers make up the Executive Committee and work cooperatively to set the Planning Council’s meeting agendas.

The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) also elected officers for 2026 at their December meeting. TAC re-elected Nicole Hahn of the City of Loveland as Chair and re-elected Evan Pinkham of the Weld County as Vice Chair.

2025 Coordinated Plan Adoption

The Coordinated Plan is updated every four years, incorporating input from the public, stakeholders, the Mobility Committees, and the Planning Council. For additional context, the Coordinated Plan is a requirement for projects receiving Federal Transit Administration 5310 funds that serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, and low-income individuals.

The Coordinated Plan emphasizes mobility for older adults, individuals with disabilities, low-income adults, and any underserved communities. It considers mobility from all angles, taking a comprehensive approach and supporting providers, advocates, and stakeholders in improving outcomes at every level.

The NFRMPO Council adopted the 2025 Coordinated Plan at the December 2025 NFRMPO Planning Council meeting, with support from the Larimer County and Weld County Mobility Committees and the joint Northern Colorado Mobility Committee. For more information on the 2025 Coordinated Plan, please see the details on our Coordinated Plan webpage.

Throughout the development of the 2025 Coordinated Plan, stakeholders identified several key issues, such as:

• Limited cross-jurisdictional transportation options
• High transportation costs
• Volunteer driver shortages
• Insufficient support for temporarily disabled individuals
• Challenges in recruiting and retaining transit drivers
• Lack of awareness about existing services
• Inadequate transportation options and access in rural areas or new developments

The 2025 Coordinated Plan serves as a strategic framework to ensure that limited transportation resources are used effectively, while maximizing independence and quality of life for those who rely on specialized transportation services. The following recommended strategies were drafted to address these concerns:

• Strategy 1: Coordination
• Strategy 2: Education
• Strategy 3: Collaboration
• Strategy 4: Infrastructure and Funding
• Strategy 5: Non-Mobility Improvements

If you have any comments or questions, or would like to discuss the 2025 Coordinated Plan, please get in touch with the Mobility Planner at the NFRMPO, Aaron Hull, at ahull@nfrmpo.org or (970) 672-0677.

Since its opening, the Power Trail has had a gap between Golden Meadows Park and Keenland Drive, detouring Power Trail users to McMurry Avenue and Keenland Drive. This project will close that gap, providing a safe crossing of Harmony Road via an underpass beneath the roadway. The project is a major step forward in improving safe, connected trail access for pedestrians and cyclists across the City. 

Project Funding 

In 2015, a 10-year quarter-cent tax renewal for the Community Capital Improvement Program (CCIP) was passed by voters. Part of the tax is dedicated to bike and pedestrian grade-separated crossings. Funding for the Power Trail and Harmony Road project has been identified from CCIP, a federal Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program grant and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grants through the Federal Highway Administration awarded by the NFRMPO. With these grant awards secured and local funding in support, the project is fully funded for construction.  

Construction Timeline and Groundbreaking Ceremony 

Construction began in November 2025, and initial construction will focus on the underpass beneath Harmony Road. Construction will then proceed to build trail segments north and south of the underpass, toward Keenland Drive and Golden Meadows Park along the Union Pacific Railroad corridor. The full trail facility is expected to be completed in Spring 2027, completing the Power Trail as a continuous paved trail from Trilby Road to the Spring Creek Trail.  

A ceremonial groundbreaking event happened on Monday, December 2, at 11 a.m. just north of the project site.  

For more information about the Power Trail Underpass project, including updates throughout construction, visit the Power Trail Underpass Project webpage. 

Winter driving season is upon us – which means you can expect snow, ice and unpredictable conditions across the state at any given time. We’re breaking down some of the basics when it comes to winter driving in Colorado to help you navigate the roads safely and confidently this season. 



Tire Safety 

One of the most important things you can do to prepare for winter driving is to make sure your tires are in good condition. Certain tires are safer for winter driving because they provide better traction. Winter tires, all-weather tires, and mud and snow tires are all safe options for driving in winter weather. Just make sure that your tires have a minimum of 3/16-inch tread depth. 

Understanding the Traction Law 

The Passenger Vehicle Traction Law is in effect each year from September 1 through May 31 on the I-70 Mountain Corridor between Dotsero and Morrison and may also be activated on other state highways when weather or road conditions require. To comply, all motorists are required to have: 

• Tire chains 
• An approved alternative traction device (ATD) on two or more drive tires 
• OR tires with a tread depth of at least 3/16-inch that are rated as all-weather tires, mud and snow tires (M+S) or winter tires (mountain-snowflake icon). 

For more information, visit our Passenger Vehicle Traction and Chain Laws webpage. 

I-70 Mountain Corridor 

The I-70 mountain corridor is one of the most heavily traveled corridors in Colorado, and it can be especially dangerous during winter weather conditions. CDOT recommends avoiding travel on I-70 during peak times, which are typically Saturday mornings between 7-11 a.m. (westbound) and Sunday evenings between 3-6 p.m. (eastbound). For the latest info on peak travel times and expected conditions, visit our I-70 Travel Forecast & Tips webpage. 

If you must travel on I-70 during winter weather conditions, be sure to slow down and leave extra space between you and the car in front of you. It's also important to be aware of the road conditions and to adjust your driving accordingly. 

Snowplow Safety 

Snowplows play a vital role in keeping Colorado roads safe during the winter months. It's important to be aware of snowplows and to give them plenty of space. Never pass a snowplow that is operating in a tandem formation (multiple snowplows staggered across lanes). Not only is it dangerous – it is illegal. 

Don't Get Caught Off Guard

CDOT has a one-stop shop where you can see real-time road conditions, check traffic and sign up for travel alerts to be notified of any changes on your route. Visit COtrip.org or download the COtrip Planner on any Apple or Android device. You can also visit CDOT’s Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) pages for the latest updates on travel impacts and closures. 

For more tips for winter driving in Colorado, visit CDOT’s Winter Wise Campaign webpage.  

Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), in conjunction with the Federal Railroad Administration and local agencies, is developing alternatives to remove the at-grade railroad crossings on US 34 near Kelim and Johnstown. The implementation of this project will result in a safer and more resilient US 34. 

Where We Are Now

CDOT has been advancing through the Alternatives Analysis process:

• Over 100 initial concepts were developed, grouped, and screened to identify those meeting the Study’s Purpose and Need.
• Through stakeholder input and technical evaluations, the list has been refined to six alternatives, now undergoing traffic analysis and modeling to assess feasibility and performance.

These efforts are guided by evaluation criteria which are reflective of the local priorities and long-term regional vision within each alternative concept. CDOT has been working closely with local agencies and GoNoCo34 to understand the priorities of their organizations and communities. This continued effort of transparent communication and interagency collaboration is crucial to providing innovative solutions that address the needs of the corridor.

What’s Next

CDOT will continue refining the alternatives to identify recommendations that best balances safety, mobility, and community needs. While this is a planning study (not yet a construction project), it lays the groundwork for future investment and implementation once funding is identified.

Stay Engaged — Stay Informed!

Stakeholder input continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of this project. We encourage you to review the alternatives and share your thoughts by emailing us at US34RRCrossingElimination@gmail.com!

In addition to the orange e-bikes and e-scooters around Fort Collins that you can rent with an app, did you know that Spin offers adaptive trikes? You can ride an upright trike, a hand trike, or a recumbent trike. These aren’t parked around town, they’re available for free by request only.

Start your ride at the Civic Center Parking Structure bike room (120 N Mason Street) or ask for delivery!

The GoNoCo34 Transportation Management Organization (TMO) collaborates with businesses, public agencies, and communities along the US 34 corridor in Northern Colorado to create innovative solutions for the region’s growing transportation needs. To improve mobility, reduce congestion, and promote sustainable transportation options, GoNoCo34 provides resources and tools to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips, enhance transportation choices, and improve air quality.

Join the movement for sustainable transportation in Northern Colorado and become a member of GoNoCo34! Learn more about membership benefits here.

See what's happening at the North Front Range MPO and join us virtually or in-person at one of our upcoming events or meetings.

For a comprehensive and up to date calendar of events, visit https://nfrmpo.org/calendar.

To see all public comment and survey opportunities, visit https://nfrmpo.org/public-comment.

To download meeting materials, visit https://nfrmpo.org/meeting-materials.