CDOT and Northeast Transportation Connections Announce Partnership To Provide Travel Options During Central 70 Construction

DENVER—CDOT and its High Performance Transportation Enterprise (HPTE) today announced a partnership with Northeast Transportation Connections (NETC) to provide Transportation Demand Management (TDM) services as preparations for construction begin on the Central 70 project. The goal of this partnership is to provide information and mobility choices that will help to improve neighborhood access for residents, provide employers and employees with commuting options, as well as to reduce single-occupancy vehicles usage along the corridor.

TDM efforts are common to most large transportation projects, and the Central 70 program is unique in its focus on local resident connectivity, particularly for neighborhoods adjacent to the I-70 viaduct. The Central 70 project will remove the aging viaduct and lower the interstate 30 to 40 feet below grade along this section. NETC will offer shuttle services, bike libraries, walking programs, and bus passes to local residents.

"Listening to community representatives and developing programs based on their specific requests is our first concern," said Angie Rivera-Malpiede, vice president of the Stapleton Foundation and Director of NETC. "This will be a cooperative effort between NETC, local stakeholders, and the community itself. It is paramount that we address the basic needs of these historically disadvantaged and diverse neighborhoods. We believe we can make a real difference that will last beyond the completion of the Central 70 Project."

In addition to serving commuters and travelers, the Central 70 corridor is home to thousands of businesses which together employ more than 22,000 people.

"There is a lot we can and will do through the construction process to keep traffic moving; however, with a corridor as congested as I-70 East is today, we need to give travelers as many options as possible," said Tony DeVito, Central 70 project director.

CDOT and NETC have begun contacting businesses along the Central 70 Project to discuss carpools and vanpools to help employees get to and from work during construction. According to NETC, for every 48 vehicles removed from the road on a bumper-to-bumper commute between Chambers and downtown Denver, travel time is reduced by five minutes.

"We have seen the success of similar programs when Express Lanes were added on I-25 and US 36, and we expect similar results along I-70," said David Spector, director of HPTE. "Early implementation of programs like these helps address problems before construction begins and also helps users establish new mobility routines and habits. All of this results in long-term benefits for the project and the users."

NETC works with the public and private sectors to reduce single occupant vehicle travel, to improve mobility, and to establish sustainable transportation throughout the northeast Denver area by creating, supporting, and promoting an array of transportation options for commuters, residents, students, and visitors. Additional information on the NETC Central 70 programs can be found on the website.

The Central 70 project will improve safety, mobility, and community connections along one of Colorado's most congested interstate corridors. The project includes removing the 50-year-old viaduct, lowering a section of I-70 below grade, and constructing a 4-acre cover over the interstate. One new Express Lane in each direction will be added between Brighton Blvd and Chambers Road. A Record of Decision (ROD), completing a 14-year study process, was released on Jan. 19, 2017, approving the project to move forward with construction. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2018. For more information on the Central 70 Project, visit central70.codot.gov.

About the High Performance Transportation Enterprise (HPTE)

The HPTE operates as a government-owned, independent business within CDOT. It searches out innovative ways to finance projects to help Colorado fulfill its commitment to increase travel choices through options that include Express Lanes, transit, biking, walking and carpooling. For more information, visit www.coloradohpte.com.