What is an Environmental Overview Study?
An EOS is a planning study which evaluates potential transportation solutions by employing a context-sensitive solutions approach, and then considers potential environmental effects in the development and selection of alternatives. Although it is not a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) study, the SH 392 EOS does address many of the same elements, and is intended to recommend a solution which is anticipated to be the starting point for future NEPA studies. The study does not clear a project for construction. If, at a later date, a federally funded construction project is pursued, a NEPA-compliant study would be required.

What was the study's goals and objectives?
The study's goal was to guide future roadway improvement projects and ongoing development. Objectives for this study were based upon the NFRMPO's 2030 travel demand model and forecasted traffic. A traffic needs study was performed to determine the required roadway capacity, safety deficiencies and needs, and access management. As a result, the EOS contains a recommended "footprint" characterized by an alignment location and width. This will in turn be used by local planning agencies to preserve a roadway corridor for future improvement projects and to guide ongoing development. Specific details about future road design and associated features at specific locations are included as recommendations for project-level study but will not be part of the recommended footprint.

Which local agencies are involved?
The local agencies involved include: Larimer County, Weld County, Windsor, Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Severance, and the NFRMPO.

How do you protect the many environmental resources on the corridor?
The project team inventoried all the resources in the study area and worked with the designers in an interactive process to recommend measures to avoid or minimize impacts to these resources. The goal of this effort is to balance the growing transportation needs in the area with any potential effects on the environment.

When will construction begin on the project?
This study did not directly produce any construction projects. The EOS is a planning study to preserve right-of-way (ROW) for future improvements. Before CDOT can use any federal funds to construct a project, a study complying with NEPA must be prepared.

Will you address the I-25/SH392 interchange?
No. This interchange is being studied under the North I-25 Front Range Environmental Impact Study (EIS). For more information on the North I-25 Front Range EIS, go to http://www.cdot.info/northi25eis/index.cfm, and to learn more about the I-25/SH 392 interchange visit http://www.windsorgov.com/towplanningproj.html. Coordination occurred between the two studies to ensure compatibility of their respective solutions.