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Alternatives to Parker Road eyed
A recent study by the Colorado Department of Transportation estimates traffic on segments of Parker Road will double in the next 25 years.
By By: Chris Michlewicz
The State Highway 83 and 86 Corridor Optimization Study addresses many issues, including future traffic congestion along the frequently used roads.
CDOT, along with the town of Parker, is exploring ways to find "alternative parallel routes to Parker Road," a presentation by CDOT said.
The study said the intersection at Lincoln Avenue and Parker Road carries an average of 56,000 vehicle trips per day.
CDOT predicts that by 2030, as many as 127,000 vehicles might pass through that intersection.
"The existing infrastructure will not sustain the projected traffic volumes," said David Aden, the town's traffic engineer. "We're staring in the face of a pretty significant traffic problem if we do not do something."
Parker's goals and CDOT's recommendations were displayed March 17 at an open house at town hall. Various town staff members answered questions and received public comments on future projects.
Many jurisdictions, including Kiowa, Elizabeth, Franktown and Castle Rock, will be involved in a comprehensive plan for the future, Aden said.
CDOT looked at traffic patterns on Colorado 86 from Kiowa to Castle Rock, and is now accepting public comment to create a vision, Aden said.
Parker wanted the scope of the Highway 83 study to address noise issues, setting the goal of "making the road a more quiet aspect of our town," town officials said in the presentation.
In addition, CDOT studied the possibility of lowering the speed limit on Parker Road, while recommending that the road be "framed closely by trees."
The town also is considering building a sidewalk along Parker Road because it wants pedestrians to be able to cross and walk parallel to the road.
Mayor Gary Lasater and other representatives from Parker have expressed their desires to CDOT for the future of Parker Road. One thing the town does not want is for Parker Road to be developed as "a limited access freeway," with few lights and concrete retaining walls, similar to 6th Avenue, Aden said.
Aden stressed that plans are not final and CDOT is still considering all suggestions. Changes will not be implemented until plans are approved by the town council and the planning commission, he said.
The projects will not happen all at once, but rather as funding becomes available, Aden said.
"This study and the final recommendations will not only impact our transportation system, but also the overall character of our community," a memo from the town said.
CDOT, along with the town of Parker, is exploring ways to find "alternative parallel routes to Parker Road," a presentation by CDOT said.
The study said the intersection at Lincoln Avenue and Parker Road carries an average of 56,000 vehicle trips per day.
CDOT predicts that by 2030, as many as 127,000 vehicles might pass through that intersection.
"The existing infrastructure will not sustain the projected traffic volumes," said David Aden, the town's traffic engineer. "We're staring in the face of a pretty significant traffic problem if we do not do something."
Parker's goals and CDOT's recommendations were displayed March 17 at an open house at town hall. Various town staff members answered questions and received public comments on future projects.
Many jurisdictions, including Kiowa, Elizabeth, Franktown and Castle Rock, will be involved in a comprehensive plan for the future, Aden said.
CDOT looked at traffic patterns on Colorado 86 from Kiowa to Castle Rock, and is now accepting public comment to create a vision, Aden said.
Parker wanted the scope of the Highway 83 study to address noise issues, setting the goal of "making the road a more quiet aspect of our town," town officials said in the presentation.
In addition, CDOT studied the possibility of lowering the speed limit on Parker Road, while recommending that the road be "framed closely by trees."
The town also is considering building a sidewalk along Parker Road because it wants pedestrians to be able to cross and walk parallel to the road.
Mayor Gary Lasater and other representatives from Parker have expressed their desires to CDOT for the future of Parker Road. One thing the town does not want is for Parker Road to be developed as "a limited access freeway," with few lights and concrete retaining walls, similar to 6th Avenue, Aden said.
Aden stressed that plans are not final and CDOT is still considering all suggestions. Changes will not be implemented until plans are approved by the town council and the planning commission, he said.
The projects will not happen all at once, but rather as funding becomes available, Aden said.
"This study and the final recommendations will not only impact our transportation system, but also the overall character of our community," a memo from the town said.
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