Drivers around US 85 and County Line Road should brace for disruptions. A week-long closure is on the books to facilitate paving operations as part of the expansive US 85 Widening Project. Starting at 7 a.m. this coming Monday, Oct. 14, until 5 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, those who commute through this area are advised to allow for additional travel time or to chart alternate routes, as detailed by Douglas County.
Given the intensity of the work, this closure signals the final extended interruption for paving work, with the intent to speed through weather-dependent activities and push forward the project's timeline. The County Line Road will not be accessible from the east side of US 85 (Santa Fe Drive) throughout the closure's duration, save for residents of Wolhurst Neighborhood, who can only enter or exit via US 85 routes until the reopening. Accustomed to breezing through this area, commuters now need to adjust their schedules and be patient.
For those uncertain about alternative pathways, several detours have been mapped, with guiding signage expected to be in place to reroute the traffic. These provisions, while a relief, do not alleviate all the tension for daily road warriors who must now thread through possibly unfamiliar paths.
Should there be a wrench in plans thrown by unpredictable weather, the closure could extend even to Saturday, Oct. 19. The diligence of those behind the wheel will be crucial over the period vigilance for the safety of the road crews and adherence to modified speed limits are a must. With machinery and trucks moving, the work zone is as much a site of construction as it is a testament to our collective effort in pursuit of better infrastructure, as Douglas County reports.
