WELD COUNTY, Colo. — Colorado has a new interchange on U.S. Highway 85 for the first time in decades.

The new interchange at U.S. 85 and Weld County Road 44, between Gilcrest and La Salle in Weld County, was completed earlier this month.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) said the new interchange will improve safety in northeast Colorado. CDOT said it’s the first new interchange built on U.S. 85 within Colorado in at least 30 years.

CDOT said the $28.5 million project has eliminated interaction between roadway traffic and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks and provides efficient access control. Major project features included:

• Two new bridges to carry WCR 44 over U.S. 85 and railroad tracks.
• Roundabout at southbound U.S. 85 ramps / WCR 44 intersection.
• Intersection improvements at WCR 44 and Niobrara Boulevard.
• Permanent closure of WCR 33 at U.S. 85 and railroad tracks.

CDOT said the old intersection experienced a high crash rate. Between 2012 and 2016, there were 35 recorded crashes, and 72% of those were broadside crashes, which often resulted in serious injury.

“I believe this is our 56th project from the 10-year plan that has been completed, and we have more than 40 more projects currently under construction,” said CDOT Deputy Director Herman Stockinger. “This is one of our busiest highways in northeastern Colorado, carrying approximately 31,000 vehicles per day at this particular location, around 15% of which are commercial motor vehicles.”

“In the old configuration, the Union Pacific railroad crossing was about 300 feet from the intersection,” said CDOT Regional Transportation Director Heather Paddock. “This proximity to U.S. 85 posed operational challenges for both roadway traffic and freight movement on the Union Pacific Rail Line. Passing or standing trains restricted travel and caused queuing, sometimes extending into U.S. 85. Additionally, that at-grade crossing was a vehicular traffic to train conflict point.”

“Union Pacific is pleased to partner with Weld County, the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Public Utilities Commission on this important project that improves safety, supports rail efficiency and growth in Colorado’s economy, and improves quality of life in the communities we serve here in Weld County,” Lisa Lawson Stark, vice president of public affairs at Union Pacific Railroad.

SUGGESTED VIDEOS: 9NEWS Originals

Watch more from 9NEWS on the free 9NEWS+ app for Roku and Fire TV.

9NEWS+ has multiple live daily shows including 9NEWS Mornings, Next with Kyle Clark and 9NEWS+ Daily, an original streaming program. 9NEWS+ is where you can watch live breaking news, weather updates, and press conferences. You can also replay recent newscasts and find videos on demand of our top stories, local politics, investigations and Colorado specific features.

To download 9NEWS+ on Roku search for KUSA.

To download 9NEWS+ on Fire TV search for 9NEWS.

RELATED: Watch 9NEWS for free on ROKU, Apple TV, Fire TV