Under Construction
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Updated December 10, 2024
Travel lanes in both directions of US 85 between the northern project limits and Town Center Drive are in their final, permanent alignment, marking a milestone for roadway widening.
Next week, crews will complete the final phase of moving travel lanes to their final alignment, realigning traffic south of Town Center Drive. Motorists should expect nighttime shifting lane closures Monday, Dec. 16, through Wednesday, Dec. 18.
US 85 traffic will continue to use the existing signalized intersections for left-turn access while work is completed on the medians and on the new C-470 bridge. The future continuous flow intersections (CFIs), at C-470, Town Center Drive and Highlands Ranch Parkway will be implemented once all roadway work is complete next year.
See the “Schedule” section below for more detailed information on traffic impacts. For background information prior to construction, visit US85DouglasCounty.com
This project will improve safety, mobility, and traffic operations by widening (from four to six lanes) and reconstructing a segment of US 85 (South Santa Fe Drive) from Highlands Ranch Parkway, extending north of the C-470 Interchange to Dad Clark Gulch (which is located approximately 1,200 feet north of County Line Road). Major US 85 intersection improvements will occur at Highlands Ranch Parkway, Town Center Drive, Blakeland Drive, the C-470 Interchange ramps and at County Line Road. The project also includes the replacement and widening of the existing bridge that carries US 85 over C-470.
Multimodal improvements include bus stop enhancements, a new shared-use path for bicyclists and pedestrians on the east side of US 85, a below-grade crossing for the C-470 Trail at US 85, a below-grade crossing for the High Line Canal Trail at US 85, and a new pedestrian link from the Wolhurst community to the C-470 Trail.
The project also includes the addition of continuous auxiliary lanes, new asphalt paving, relocation of utilities, raised medians, new curb and gutter, and a new closed storm sewer system with water quality ponds.
Timeline: Fall 2022 to Fall 2025
Partial Continuous Flow Intersection (CFI) will be installed for the following traffic movements:
View a map of US 85 Interchange at the above 3 listed intersections.
Other projects along US 85 in Douglas County
Dec. 15 – Dec.21:
There will be no work activities or traffic impacts over the holidays beginning Sunday, Dec. 22, until Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
Major Impacts:
Daily Impacts:
Please give yourself extra time and pay attention to posted speed limits and signage. If weather conditions do not allow this work to take place as originally scheduled, crews will conduct this work at a later date.
Trail Closures
Three trail closures will stay in place into 2025 while crews install new underpasses to allow pedestrians and bicyclists to safely pass under US 85.
Bus Access: RTD, in partnership with the project team, has closed the Bus Route 402L stops on US 85 between County Line Road and Highlands Ranch Parkway to allow crews to work safely. Though some stops are closed, the Route will remain in service. Customers should sign up for RTD’s Service Alerts and use the Trip Planner app to plan an alternate route.
Business Access has permanently changed to right-in, right-out only at private driveways and un-signalized intersections between Highlands Ranch Parkway and C-470. Left turns at Norwood Drive, Carder Court, Brandon Drive, Grace Presbyterian Church, and Spring Gulch Equestrian Area are no longer allowed. View business access changes.
As always, we ask you to please continue to pay extra attention and follow all posted signage through the construction zone. Expect increased enforcement to ensure the safety of crews and motorists. Pedestrians and bicyclists are not permitted in the work zone – please use signed and signaled intersections to cross US 85.
