FAQ

What were the study-area limits?

The study corridor was on US 24 from the Powers Boulevard (CO 21) interchange to approximately Ramah Road. Environmental conditions were examined within approximately 500 feet of the US 24 highway right-of-way. Community resources were also considered within the surrounding communities.

This transportation study was conducted using the PEL approach. PEL is a study approach that is used to identify transportation issues and environmental concerns, which can be applied to make planning decisions and for planning analysis.

PEL studies link planning to environmental issues and result in useful information that may ultimately be used to prepare a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) study and final design, and to help streamline the process.

The study team:

  • Identified the transportation vision for the US 24 corridor.
  • Completed the study in accordance with the CDOT Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) process, including:
    • public outreach.
    • direct involvement with local governments, community groups and stakeholders within the corridor area.
    • coordination with state and federal resource agencies.
    • documentation of study process, findings and recommendations to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) standards, so information can be utilized with future NEPA documentation.
    • PEL documentation for FHWA concurrence.
  • Identified existing and potential future issues along the US 24 corridor.
  • Developed and analyze a range of alternatives to meet the corridor vision.
  • Established a priority list for planned short- and long-term transportation improvement projects.
  • Estimated conceptual cost of recommended transportation improvements.

This study developed recommendations to improve local and regional mobility, improve corridor and intersection operations, and enhance safety for all users along the US 24 study corridor. The study provided a plan for future short- and long-term improvements, which will be used by CDOT for project implementation.

The timeline for improvements is dependent on funding availability. Phasing of improvement projects identified by this study are likely.

View the pages on this website for more information.

Potential individual improvement projects will be prioritized considering factors such as safety and operational need, benefits, and cost. Improvements will not necessarily be implemented from one end of the corridor to the other. Population of the surrounding area will not solely determine project phasing recommendations, although it could affect the need and benefits of improvements.

Funding was recently allocated for next steps in project development. This includes furthering design of US 24, widening to four lanes from Garrett Road to Stapleton Road and creating a new Access Control Plan from Elbert Road to the El Paso/Elbert County line. CDOT will continue to look for funding sources to design and construct study recommendations.

Conducting this study was the first step in competing for funding with other regional projects, because the study identified recommended improvements and documented the need, potential issues, and next steps, considering public and agency input. Following the PEL study process (which involves coordination with the Federal Highway Administration) streamlines the implementation of projects with federal funds.

The public can provide input into the project selection process. Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments (PPACG) has regular meetings to discuss priorities and needs for the area. CDOT Transportation Commissioners and El Paso County Commissioners are also involved in allocating funds for transportation improvements.

In 2005, CDOT established an Access Control Plan along US 24 from Peterson Boulevard to Elbert Highway, east of Falcon. The existing Access Control Plan is being considered while alternatives are developed and evaluated. Some modifications and updates to the existing Access Control Plan may be needed with the PEL study recommendations.

These recommended changes were shared with the public at the final PEL Study public meeting in summer 2017, and were documented in an amendment to the Access Control Plan. In addition, CDOT plans to work with El Paso County in the near future to extend the Access Control Plan from Elbert Highway to the county line. Changes in access would likely not be implemented until a specific operational or safety issue is identified, or roadway improvements or property redevelopment occurs.

This study did not consider a realignment of US 24 around Calhan. This PEL study focused on transportation improvements along the existing alignment of US 24.