I-225 Planning and Environmental Linkages Study from Yosemite Street to I-25

Study complete

About the Study

CDOT is conducting a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study to improve conditions along Interstate 225 (I-225) from Yosemite Street to I-25 in Denver. As highway construction ends in the summer of 2014 for I-225 to the north to provide three travel lanes in each direction from I-70 to DTC Boulevard, one segment of southbound I-225 from DTC Boulevard to I-25 will continue to be two lanes adding pressure to current congestion.   The I-225 PEL study is important to effectively address these traffic demands while funding to construct the improvements is identified. The study will evaluate the existing and future operating conditions of the highway, while making recommendations to address congestion along the corridor. This study will also assess existing physical, social, and environmental conditions and recommend a range of improvements to this segment of I-225. The environmental analysis part of the PEL study will evaluate the impacts of the potential alternatives to assist in selecting the right solution for I-225 within the project area.

A Technical Working Group, composed of staff from the local communities and agencies such as Arapahoe County, the City of Aurora, the City and County of Denver, the City of Greenwood Village, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Denver Regional Council of Governments and Regional Transportation District will provide critical input to CDOT throughout the study and at key milestones in the process.  We have also involved the Goldsmith Metropolitan District, Madre Metropolitan District, and South I-25 Urban Corridor Transportation Management Association as important stakeholders in the area.

The key elements of this study are to:

  • Identify improvements for the corridor to relieve the bottleneck while minimizing potential impacts to mainline I-225, I-25, and the interchanges at DTC Boulevard and Yosemite Street.
  • Complete the study in accordance with the FHWA PEL process. This will include:
    • Public outreach
    • Direct involvement with local governments and special interest groups within the study area
    • Coordination with State and Federal resource agencies
    • Documentation of the study process, findings and recommendations will be to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) standards so information developed in this study can be used in a future NEPA process
  • Identify existing and future congestion problem areas in the corridor
  • Estimate costs of improvements
  • Recommend a set of phased improvements to:
    • Reduce congestion on southbound I-225 from Yosemite Street to I-25