Print
E-mail
Comment
Toll lane pondered for C-470
Traffic is thick during rush hours on C-470 between Wadsworth Boulevard and Interstate 25, and highway planners know it.
By By: Christine McManus
Traffic is thick during rush hours on C-470 between Wadsworth Boulevard and Interstate 25, and highway planners know it.
Because of that, highway planners are exploring the creation of "HOT" lanes as an option to cool off traffic delays in the Douglas County portion of C-470. HOT stands for "high occupancy toll" lanes, where carpools can pay to jump in the fast lane.
Last week the Colorado Transportation Commission began reviewing bids from three companies who want to build HOT lanes. Other bids will be accepted in the next month.
"We really like the idea," said Ken Mauro, the design manager for the E-470 tollway that connects to the eastern end of C-470.
"It fits naturally with E-470 if they toll some express lanes on C-470. We've got the technology now to do it, and it would relieve some of the congestion they're experiencing between Wadsworth and I-25 on C-470," Mauro said.
Carpools with several people could be allowed to travel toll-free on possible express lanes.
If transportation officials eventually go forward with HOT-lane plans, they said construction would not be allowed to interfere with existing traffic.
Before establishing express lanes or tolls, a $2.5 million environmental impact study would have to be done.
The proposals come during a time when the Colorado transportation budget is facing shortfall and transportation expansion needs are high.
Because of that, highway planners are exploring the creation of "HOT" lanes as an option to cool off traffic delays in the Douglas County portion of C-470. HOT stands for "high occupancy toll" lanes, where carpools can pay to jump in the fast lane.
Last week the Colorado Transportation Commission began reviewing bids from three companies who want to build HOT lanes. Other bids will be accepted in the next month.
"We really like the idea," said Ken Mauro, the design manager for the E-470 tollway that connects to the eastern end of C-470.
"It fits naturally with E-470 if they toll some express lanes on C-470. We've got the technology now to do it, and it would relieve some of the congestion they're experiencing between Wadsworth and I-25 on C-470," Mauro said.
Carpools with several people could be allowed to travel toll-free on possible express lanes.
If transportation officials eventually go forward with HOT-lane plans, they said construction would not be allowed to interfere with existing traffic.
Before establishing express lanes or tolls, a $2.5 million environmental impact study would have to be done.
The proposals come during a time when the Colorado transportation budget is facing shortfall and transportation expansion needs are high.
Submit a Comment
|
You must be logged in to post a comment.
|
Not yet a registered member?
Click here to become one. |
