Broomfield is pausing the Jefferson Parkway project after elevated levels of plutonium were found in a soil sample.

The proposed 10-mile toll road between Broomfield and Golden was scheduled for construction in 2020, but all efforts have been tabled.

“Given the recent test results and the council’s feedback, the parkway is not moving forward at this time,” the city’s website states. “There are no ordinances nor resolutions pending in front of the Broomfield City Council.”  

The one sample that showed elevated plutonium levels was inconsistent with the lower levels found in other samples, according to a release.

“Public safety is the number one priority for the Jefferson Parkway,” project executive director Bill Ray said in a news release.

“We are committed to working closely with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment on the ongoing soil analysis and will follow their lead on next steps. Once the soil analysis is complete, the Jefferson Parkway Public Highway Authority Board of Directors will determine how our contractor procurement process will move forward.”