Good news for drivers and cyclists alike in Douglas County: The US 85 widening project, a major infrastructure undertaking to address the demands of one of the fastest-growing corridors in the area, has been completed well before its deadline. According to Douglas County, the $100 million project with involvement from FHWA and CDOT has expanded the highway to a four-lane divided expressway, aiming to ease congestion and improve safety.
This timely conclusion of the project brings various improvements like an additional lane in each direction on US 85, newly constructed continuous flow intersections at key junctions like Highlands Ranch Parkway, Town Center Drive, and C-470, and over 2.5 miles of pedestrian and cyclist paths, which include two new grade-separated trail underpasses, according to Douglas County. Commissioner George Teal conveyed the county's proactive stance stating, "Douglas County is in the business of listening, and we heard loud and clear that US 85 needed more lanes for daily commuters," as per Douglas County. This corridor sees more than 25,000 vehicles every day, and that figure is on an upward trajectory with the area's growth.
Among the perks of this development are seven upgraded RTD bus stops, new signage, signal updates, and extensive utility and stormwater drainage optimizations. The revamped infrastructure also encompasses a wider bridge over C-470, aimed at enhancing on- and off-ramp functioning for the many vehicles coursing through the area daily. Commissioner Abe Laydon underscored the project's significance for economic development along this crucial stretch, as recounted in the county's press release.
Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle praised the project's efficient execution and community collaboration stating, “The US 85 widening project and early completion are a prime example of responsible government leadership and community partnership," as obtained by Douglas County, and extending gratitude toward residents for their patience during the disruptive construction phase. With this infrastructure now in place, US 85 is poised to support the county's demands well into the future; the current 25,000 vehicle-a-day traffic is anticipated to double by the year 2040. Nevertheless, local travelers should stay alert as limited crews will remain onsite through the fall to oversee environmental growth and finalize minor aspects of the job.
