CDOT begins Santa Fe Drive Resurfacing Project

Travel Advisory

May 13, 2020 - Denver Metro Area, Colorado

ARAPAHOE & DENVER COUNTIES — The Colorado Department of Transportation will begin resurfacing both directions of Santa Fe Drive (US Highway 85) between Hampden and Florida avenues this month. Construction will start at the junction of Hampden Avenue (US 285) and will continue northbound to Florida Avenue.

This two-mile resurfacing project will also replace damaged panels, bridge expansion joints on the Evans Avenue bridge over Santa Fe, and curb ramps. The resurfacing will create smoother pavement and improved driving conditions, which in turn will improve safety along this corridor.

TRAVEL IMPACTS 

Beginning in mid-May, motorists will encounter road work on Santa Fe Drive. Traffic impacts include:

  • Most work will occur overnight Monday through Friday between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. with some daytime work occurring between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. 

  • During nighttime activities, traffic flow will be reduced to one lane in each direction along Santa Fe Drive, with the use of flagger control. 

  • During daytime activities, traffic will only experience a single lane closure in one direction of travel. 

  • Work on the Evans Avenue bridge will require full ramp closures. 

  • Motorists may encounter reduced speeds within the project limits. 

  • Traffic fines will be doubled in the work zone.

  • No work will take place May 22 through May 25 for Memorial Day weekend. 

Travelers driving through resurfacing projects are urged to: 

  • Slow down ― Higher speeds can cause loose stones to scatter and damage vehicle paint and windshields.

  • Increase distance between vehicles ― Space between you and other vehicles will help reduce vehicle damage caused by loose stones.

  • Follow work zone signage ― Consider the safety of other motorists and the safety of the work crew when traveling through the project construction zone.

  • Use caution ― Bicyclists and motorcyclists should use extreme caution during construction operations.

 US 85 Resurfacing Project Map

 

PROJECT INFORMATION 

For additional information about this project: 

●    Call the project information line at 720-477-2737

●   Email the project team at: [email protected]

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

COVID-19 

Safe transportation infrastructure is essential for emergency first responders and freight drivers as Colorado navigates the COVID-19 pandemic. With that in mind, road maintenance and construction continues on CDOT projects with social distancing and other health safety measures to reduce COVID-19 exposure on the worksite. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced guidelines for construction activities. The public is urged to join the campaign for #DoingMyPartCO by practicing social distancing, wearing face masks, staying at home when possible, and avoiding nonessential travel. With fewer vehicles on the roads, CDOT crews will be able to work more efficiently and safely.  

WHOLE SYSTEM. WHOLE SAFETY. 

In early 2019, CDOT announced its Whole System — Whole Safety initiative to heighten safety awareness. This initiative takes a systematic statewide approach to safety combining the benefits of CDOT’s programs that address driving behaviors, our built environment and the organization's operations. The goal is to improve the safety of Colorado’s transportation network by reducing the rate and severity of crashes and improving the safety of all transportation modes. The program has one simple mission—to get everyone home safely.

ABOUT CDOT 

CDOT has approximately 3,000 employees located throughout Colorado, and manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway and 3,429 bridges. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of other agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments and airports. It also administers Bustang, the state-owned and operated inter-regional express service. Gov. Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s multimodal mobility options.