Pictured at US 85 ribbon-cutting event: Ellie Reynolds, President and CEO of Douglas County Economic Development Corporation; Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle; Commissioner Abe Laydon; Eric Rysner, Highlands Ranch Metro District Board; Mike McNish, Kraemer North America
You’ve helped us navigate three years of construction and can now enjoy additional lanes and safety improvements on US 85 between Highlands Ranch Parkway and Dad Clark Gulch (north of County Line Road) – several months ahead of schedule.
As one of the busiest and fastest-growing corridors in Douglas County, these vital improvements to US 85 (Santa Fe Drive) were designed to enhance safety, reduce congestion, and support future growth along the corridor.
“Douglas County is in the business of listening, and we heard loud and clear that US 85 needed more lanes for daily commuters. This corridor sees more than 25,000 vehicles every day, and that’s going to go up as our county grows,” said Commissioner George Teal. “We anticipated the need and made sure this corridor was ready for the future.”
“The US 85 widening project is a true milestone and example of Douglas County listening to citizens and putting plans in place to improve a major transportation corridor for thousands of our residents, which will also serve to ignite economic development along this important corridor,” said Commissioner Abe Laydon.
This $100 million infrastructure project, done in partnership with FHWA (Federal Highway Administration) and CDOT (Colorado Department of Transportation), transformed the congested, two-lane highway into a modern, four-lane divided expressway.
“The US 85 widening project and early completion are a prime example of responsible government leadership and community partnership,” said Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle. “This investment means our residents can travel through the county much more quickly and efficiently. Thank you to everyone who was mindful of detours and closures during high-impact work so our crews could work efficiently and safely.”
The improvements include:
- Widening US 85 with an additional lane in each direction (with additional auxiliary lanes)
- Construction of a new, wider bridge over C-470 with updated on- and off-ramps
- Three new continuous flow intersections (CFI) at Highlands Ranch Parkway, Town Center Drive and C-470
- Over 2.5 miles of new pedestrian and cyclist paths from north of C-470 to Highlands Ranch Parkway
- Including two new grade-separated trail underpasses (C-470 and High Line Canal Trails) where no previous crossing or an at-grade crossing existed
- New roadway pavement and permanent safety medians throughout the corridor
- Seven improved RTD bus stops
- Signal replacements/updates with timing adjustments
- Major utility relocations and storm water drainage improvements
The US 85 corridor serves as a critical link for residential, commercial, industrial and recreational access in Highlands Ranch, currently accommodating more than 25,000 vehicles per day, expected to double by 2040. By completing the project ahead of schedule, Douglas County and its transportation partners have helped ensure the long-term viability of the corridor against continued growth and increased demand.
Limited crews may be in the area through the fall to monitor environmental growth and complete minor finishing operations. Please use caution when navigating the roadway and trail system.
Other Roadwork
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