New Powers Boulevard Set to Open This Weekend

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) completed bridge construction at the Briargate and Union Boulevard intersections, and at Pine Creek, allowing traffic on northbound and southbound Powers to travel unimpeded for about three miles.  Construction also included building four lanes, from just south of Briargate to just north of Pine Creek, connecting the existing roadway to the new highway segment.

Contractor Edward Kraemer and Sons of Castle Rock, CO. began work on the project in late April 2012.

“This was primarily a safety project,” said CDOT Resident Engineer Mark Andrew.  “By eliminating the signalized traffic stops at Union and Briargate, through traffic will be able to travel unimpeded on Powers, greatly improving traffic flow through the area.  These improvements will enhance safety by allowing the majority of traffic on Powers to keep moving instead of having to stop at both intersections.”

Although the majority of the project is complete, remaining work includes installing new highway lighting and water quality improvements.  Crews will continue to work primarily off the highway, mainly along the frontage roads, medians and shoulders, so drivers should anticipate occasional reductions in the speed limit between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, in September, with some additional work planned through spring 2013.

FASTER – Funding Advancements for Surface Transportation and Economic Recovery – funded $846,000 of the $11.2 million project.  Monies collected by the FASTER Safety Fund are used for construction, reconstruction, or maintenance projects that the Transportation Commission, or a county or municipality determine are needed to enhance the safety of a state highway, county road, or city street.

Updated information regarding traffic impacts on this or other CDOT projects is available at www.coloradodot.info/travel/scheduled-lane-closures.html or by calling 511.  To receive project updates via e-mail, visit www.coloradodot.info and click on the cell-phone icon in the upper right-hand corner.  The link takes you to a list of items you can subscribe to, including Southeast Colorado.