Project Description

The project on the Moodie Reach spans from just upstream of the original Moodie Street bridge downstream to the Rose Hall bridge, a stream length of approximately 1,300 feet. The 2013 flood flows caused heavy erosion to occur along the banks of the Moodie Reach resulting in significant loss of property for several residences. The Big Thompson River Restoration Master Plan ranked the Moodie reach as a high priority for restoration, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service conducted an assessment summer 2015 that confirmed the need for river recovery and its value to life and property in the Moodie reach. One year later, the BTWC and CDOT led initial discussions with landowners to start gaining input on river restoration. This project was led by CDOT, in collaboration with the Big Thompson Watershed Coalition and incorporated the permanent replacement of HWY 34, the Moodie Street bridge, and  river and habitat enhancement features to reduce threats to life and property and to improve long-term river function. Enhancements made to the river include stabilizing the river banks and bed, improving floodplain access, and revitalizing native vegetation and aquatic habitat.