The stretch of US 85 (Santa Fe Drive) is nearing the end of its widening transformation with the final construction touchpoints scheduled throughout May. As reported by Douglas County, the project focusing on expanding the highway from four to six lanes is expected to come to completion later this year. However, residents are advised to anticipate traffic delays, with estimated wait times up to 20 minutes during these intensifying operations.
Daytime paving is essential to meet the temperature requirements needed for laying down the last layer of asphalt, which cannot be conveniently done at night. To accelerate the schedule by approximately eight weeks, the project demands extended work hours that will likely disrupt the usual traffic patterns. The focus of the paving will span from Highlands Ranch Parkway to just north of County Line Road, including the new C-470 bridge and adjacent on-- and off-ramps. Motorists should brace to adjust their routes or consider allotting more time for travel to sidestep the disruptions.
The planned closures will specifically affect traffic on Saturday, May 10 from 5 a.m. until 8 p.m. for northbound lanes and on Sunday, May 11 within the same hours for southbound lanes. Following these weekend constraints, lane closures will intermittently continue for both northbound and southbound traffic from May 12, leading up to potentially May 15, as necessary. These interruptions will also impact access to intersections and driveways at certain points while the paving progresses.
Given that this top mat paving, described as the final surface layer integral for maintaining road longevity and performance, will take place along a road busy with everyday travel, crews are set to tirelessly work in one-lane width sections. Their perseverance is aimed at ensuring the least possible inconvenience, attempting to maintain access to side streets and businesses. Nevertheless, temporary impacts are inevitable as the paving machine covers entrances.
