COMMERCE CITY – Repair work on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad tracks just west of Highway 2 in Commerce City is taking longer than expected and as a result, 72nd Avenue will remain closed just west of Highway 2 through Thursday.

Repair work began Tuesday but railroad officials found the work to be more extensive than originally anticipated. Because these repairs also necessitated raising the grade of the tracks slightly, additional roadway milling and paving work needs to be done along 72nd Avenue to create a smooth roadway transition over the tracks.

Track repairs are scheduled to be complete later today and roadway milling and paving work should be finished Thursday. In the meantime, motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible.

Detour route signage is in place to direct eastbound 72nd Avenue motorists north on Vasquez Boulevard to 77th Avenue and then north on Brighton Road to 80th Avenue to get back to Highway 2. Westbound 72nd Avenue motorists will follow this same detour route in reverse.

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