Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions and answers cover the basic elements of the US 6/River Frontage Road Access Control Plan. If you have a question that is not addressed here, please contact us.
What is an access control plan?
Any intersection or driveway along a roadway is called an access point. The purpose of an access control plan is to determine what access points will be allowed, where they will be located, and what kinds of traffic movements will be allowed at each one.
Additional information is available on the Federal Highway Administration Web site: http://www.accessmanagement.gov/.
What is the goal of the US 6/River Frontage Road Access Control Plan?
The goal is to enhance safety on US 6 and the River Frontage Road for drivers and pedestrians, to improve traffic flow, accommodate transit stops and circulation, and to provide the appropriate level of access to the properties adjacent to the highway.
What are the benefits of good access control?
The benefits would be increased spacing between access points, a safer road, a reduction of driveway clutter, and more efficient traffic flow.
How do we manage access?
There are several ways to manage the number, location and design of access points, including:
- Consolidating access points that are not needed
- Sharing driveways between adjacent properties
- Using other roads to provide access to properties
- Not allowing left turns at access points
You can learn more by reading the Federal Highway Administration'sBenefits of Access Management brochure.
What happens if nothing is done to manage access?
Without a plan, the commuters, residents, businesses, and pedestrians along the US 6 and River Frontage Road corridors could experience:
- A greater number of accidents involving vehicles and/or pedestrians
- Increased traffic congestion, resulting in higher levels of pollution and more delay for drivers
- A loss of visual appeal along the roadway
- A difficult driving experience caused by driveway clutter
Would construction begin immediately following the study?
No. The US 6/River Frontage Road represents a long-range plan. Currently there are no known planned State, Town, or Federal projects or identified funding for improvements to US 6 or the River Frontage Road. There are and will be on-going development projects with planned improvements to US 6 and the River Frontage Road that may result in changes access, but these projects are being completed by private developers. Implementation of the US 6/River Frontage Road ACP will occur over time based on traffic and safety needs, available funding, and redevelopment.
What local agencies are involved?
The Town of Silt, CDOT, and Garfield County.
For more information, contact:
Betsy Suerth
Town Administrator
231 North 7th Street, PO Box 70
Silt, CO 881652
[email protected]
or
Alisa Babler , P.E.
Permit Engineer
Colorado Department of Transportation, Region 3
222 South 6th St., Rm. 100
Grand Junction, CO 81501
[email protected]
or
David Sprague, P.E., PTOE
Consultant Project Manager
PBS&J
4601 DTC Boulevard, Suite 700
Denver, CO 80237
[email protected]
