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The Parker Road Corridor study extends along the eight mile stretch of Parker Rd. from Hampden on the North, to E-470 on the South.  Currently Traffic volumes range from 40,000 vehicles per day north of E-470 to over 80,000 per day just south of Hampden.  Forecasts for the year 2035 estimate 95,000 and 145,000 respectively.

Now that we have the facts, and assumptions how will this get fixed? This stretch of road is already congested and handling double the traffic is going to be quite a challenge.  I’ve alread discussed the Parker Rd. / Arapahoe Rd interchange, in my opinion, the worst of the problems.

The Corridor Project objectives are as follows.

• Collaborating with local jurisdictions to find creative solutions.
• Providing roadway and intersection improvements.
• Expanding the the opportunities for mass transit, bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

Project website: ParkerRoadCorridor.com
Bryan Weimer
Project Manager
bweimer@co.arapahoe.co.us

• Accomodating and supporting previous transportation and infrastructure improvements.
• Enhancing the image and design character.
• Minimize the community and environmental impacts of the improvements.

Other Area Improvements

• Hampden & Buckley: Construction of additional turn lane
• Parker & Orchard Rd.: Improve lanes
• Broncos Pkwy & Peoria St.: Improve alignment of lanes and install traffic signal.
• Smoky Hill Rd.: Widening of Smoky Hill from 4 to 6 lanes from Buckley Rd. to E-470
• Arapahoe Rd.: Widening of Arapahoe from 2 to 6 lanes from Waco to Himalaya.  Conceptual design is underway but Funding is currently not available)

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Anyone using Arapahoe Rd. that must cross the Parker Rd. intersection knows what a nightmare this traffic fiasco can be. During the extended “Rush Hours” traffic can back up for miles for those trying to cross Parker Road.

The good news is there is a plan in place to fix the problem! The Arapahoe Road - Parker Road interchange is scheduled for the following improvements.

• Parker Road will pass over Arapahe Road
• Loop Ramp to serve Eastbound Arapahoe Road to Northbound Parker Road
• Two-way “Ring” Road in the southeast quadrant of the interchange
• Already completed North portion of “Ring” Road
• Soundwall along Parker Road

The Soundwall is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2008.  The remainder of the “Ring” Road is scheduled for completion in the Summer of 2009.

Currently, $29.7 million in funding is earmarked for the interchange project.  This will allow for all the design, phased improvements, and right of way acquisition.  Unfortunately, the remainder of the construction will only occur when funding is available.

This means the fly-over piece is in need of funds! I will continue to follow this project and update the blog when new details are available.

This project is key for those living on the east side of Parker Road.  The increased  traffic flow will certainly raise the desirability of the 1000’s of homes in this area.  Additionally, this improvement of will certainly have a positive impact on the housing values.

The Parker Road Corridor Project features many other improvements.  I will will write about these later this week, so stay tuned!  You may want to subscribe to this blog so you don’t miss any updates!

The City and County of Denver announce the traffic plans for next months Democratic National Convention.

The major areas of concern will be two major thoroughfares through the city, Speer Blvd., and Auraria Pkwy. will be closed for the majority of the week.

Trust me, this will be a mess.  You don’t want to be anywhere near Downtown Denver during the last week of August!  Click here for a complete description of the gridlock that will be!