Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Officials recognize last phase of 104th Avenue improvements

Current work impacts Highway 85 traffic

COMMERCE CITY – Efforts to widen 104th Avenue to the east and west of Highway 85 are under way and local and state officials convened at the intersection this morning to recognize the final phase of 104th Avenue improvements. Current work is focused near the Highway 85 intersection while subsequent work to start later this year or early next year will focus on the section of roadway just east of the intersection.

The $105 million project to widen 104th Avenue to four lanes in each direction between E-470 and Brighton Road began in 2006, and has been done in phases to minimize impacts to motorists. Jalisco International, Inc., a Commerce City company, began work on the $3.4 million intersection and roadway improvements last month and is scheduled to be complete with intersection work by the end of the year.

“I want to thank our voters for supporting this critical transportation corridor by approving the bond issue that helped pay for these improvements,” said Councilwoman Jadie Carson, who represents the Ward III area. “Not only will the project improve safety for drivers in the northwest area of the city, residents will also benefit from a better east-west connection between the Belle Creek development and the heart of Commerce City.”

Upgrades to the Highway 85 and 104th Avenue intersection include adding dual left-turn lanes to all intersection approaches to improve traffic flow and ease congestion. Other work includes upgrades to traffic signals, construction of medians and the installation of storm sewer and drainage systems. Drivers can expect heavy delays during construction and are advised to avoid the intersection if possible. Work to widen the roadway between Highway 85 and the O’Brian Canal will continue into 2012.

“Commerce City enjoys the unique benefit of being situated in the middle of seven major transportation corridors, from I-76 and Highway 85 on the west to E-470 on the east,” said Mayor Paul Natale. “Making upgrades to 104th Avenue has helped us tie these major corridors together and create a better roadway network that not only benefits the city, but the region as a whole.”

Project funding comes from a combination of state highway monies and bonds issued in 2005 when voters approved the Northern Infrastructure General Improvement District. The project’s first two phases – widening 104th Avenue between Lima Street and E-470 – are complete.

“Without the Colorado Department of Transportation’s funding support, it would have been difficult, if not impossible, to do this project,” added Natale. “While there may be some traffic challenges the remainder of the year, I’d ask motorists to remember to slow down and pay attention in the cone zone to ensure everyone’s safety.”

For more information, contact Glenn Ellis, Project Engineer with the Department of Public Works, at 303-289-8172.

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