This Northern Colorado Intersection Is a Nightmare Because of the Traffic Lights

Driving in Northern Colorado isn't always terrible, especially compared to a major metro area like Denver. Normally, I can leave my driveway and be in the parking lot at work in about 20 minutes.

READ MORE: Major Weld County Road Closure Impacting Drivers

I have no shortage of options for routes to work. However, some of those options require me to drive out of the way for a few miles. Too much of a hassle? If there is no other option, I will use them if I have to. Inconvenient? Absolutely.

As someone who drives from Johnstown to Windsor, my preferred routes are either Weld County Road 13 or Weld County Road 17. Since Weld County Road 13 is closed at an intersection for the construction of a roundabout until late October, Weld County Road 17 is the best option. Well, it was, until recently.

A Frustrating Intersection on Highway 34

Over the past few weeks, the intersection of Weld County Road 17 and US Highway 34 has been a straight-up nightmare. If you are driving north to Windsor from Johnstown, you should consider yourself lucky if you don't have to wait for a really long time to get through this intersection.

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Something has happened at this intersection where the traffic lights are now absurdly wonky. Traffic gets backed up on Weld County Road 17, both north and southbound, due to an annoyingly short green light. Dozens of cars wait patiently to cross the highway, but only two to three vehicles can cross at a time.

Who Controls the Traffic Lights at This Intersection?

According to Google, the lights at this busy Northern Colorado intersection are controlled by the Colorado Department of Transportation. Somone that is in charge of looking at traffic patterns and flows needs to take a serious look at this intersection.

This morning, I intentionally drove through this intersection. There were about 10 vehicles in front of me, and I had to wait for three lights to get across the intersection. This is not normally the case.

When I was close enough to get a clear, unobstructed view of the stoplight driving north on Weld County Road 17, I timed the light. From the time the light turned green and changed to yellow, it was 7.4 seconds.

Drivers Are Clearly Frustrated About This Light

I don't want to be a "KAREN" and demand to speak to the traffic light manager, but this is probably one of the most frustrating traffic lights in all of Northern Colorado. Seeing all of the drivers in front of me over the past couple of weeks, throwing their hands up in frustration, I know I am not the only one who has had it with this traffic light.