State Highway 7 Reconstruction Project Complete
BOULDER COUNTY — The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has completed a reconstruction project on State Highway (SH) 7, also known as Arapahoe Road. In addition to reconstructing the highway, the project improved the safety and operation of SH 7, added new features for pedestrians and bicyclists, and replaced a railroad bridge near 75th Street.
“This project was the result of a tireless effort by CDOT, the city and county of Boulder, and other entities to improve this stretch of highway for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists,” said CDOT Resident Engineer Dan Marcucci. “This area of highway now better meets the needs of the traveling public.”
The project, which began in January 2012, finished slightly behind schedule due to unforeseen utility complications that arose during work. Additionally, $500,000 was added to the budget when crews found excess groundwater within the project limits and addressed the complex utility issues.
The SH 7 project featured two distinct sections: Cherryvale Road to Westview Drive, and Westview Drive to 75th Street. For the Cherryvale Road to Westview Drive section, SH 7 was widened from two to four lanes with either a raised median or a center left-turn lane. From Westview Drive to 75th Street, the project widened the road to add a center left turn lane and 10-foot shoulders. The railroad bridge near 75th Street was replaced with wider structures to accommodate the roadway beneath.
New pedestrian facilities were added, including a multi-use path for the entire project length and a sidewalk from Cherryvale Road to Westview Drive. On-street bike lanes and improved bus stops were also incorporated.
Concrete Express was awarded the contract for this $18 million dollar project. Additionally, Xcel, CenturyLink, and the City of Boulder worked in coordination with CDOT for this project.
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