Drivers in Arapahoe County can expect disruptions east of South Parker Road on Arapahoe Road due to construction starting in September, aimed at improving medians and lengthening the turn lane to South Buckley Road. With a project duration estimated at 75 to 90 days, contingent upon the whims of the weather, residents should prepare for the temporary inconveniences. Officials say the endeavor, costing $895,000, is financially supported in part by a $450,000 Safer Main Streets Grant from the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG).
The construction, forecasted to alleviate long-standing traffic congestion, involves extending two left-turn lanes, allowing northbound movement onto South Buckley Road. "Currently, eastbound traffic on Arapahoe Road gets severely backed up by motorists trying to turn left to northbound South Buckley Road," County Transportation Division Manager James Katzer explained the logic behind the turn lanes' extension, as per Arapahoe County. In an attempt to tackle the issue of safety at the junction of Arapahoe Road and Olathe Street, plans include a median reconstruction to combat a history of crashes.
While addressing the traffic flow, eastbound Arapahoe Road drivers will face restricted left-turn access to northbound Olathe Street from 7 to 9 a.m., evidenced by a flashing sign during the prescribed hours. Decided by the construction planners, the left turn from southbound Olathe Street to eastbound Arapahoe Road will become a thing of the past. "We will continue to monitor this intersection," assured Katzer, indicating an ongoing commitment to the reduction of traffic incidents, as obtained by Arapahoe County.
