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Public Works

US 85 Widening from Highlands Ranch Parkway to C-470

Under Construction

Budget

Total Approximate Construction Cost = $108 Million

Project Manager

Douglas County / CDOT / Kraemer North America
[email protected] 719-695-0052

Contractor

Kraemer North America
[email protected] 719-695-0052

Partners

  • Douglas County
  • CDOT
  • Chatfield Basin Developers (Sterling Ranch and Solstice Development)
  • Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
  • Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG)
  • Highlands Ranch Metro District

Project Update

Click here to receive updates on this project by email

Updated April 18, 2025

All three of the new continuous flow intersections (CFIs) are open along US 85 (Santa Fe Drive). New left-turn locations are open for: 

  • Southbound US 85 to eastbound Highlands Ranch Parkway traffic
  • Southbound US 85 to eastbound Town Center Drive traffic
  • Northbound US 85 to westbound C-470 traffic

These new left-turn locations allow through-traffic to move through the middle of an intersection simultaneously, increasing the number of vehicles that can make it through the intersection in a single traffic light cycle. 

The new underpass on the C-470 Trail opened last weekend. The High Line Canal Trail beneath US 85 is expected to open the morning of Saturday, April 26. 

Crews continue paving the top layer of the new roadway. Impactful daytime lane closures will take place project-wide through the month of May to complete paving activities. Watch this email for more details.

Watch a video to see how CFIs work

See the “Schedule” section below for more detailed information on traffic impacts. For background information prior to construction, visit US85DouglasCounty.com

Description

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:

  • Southbound US 85 to Eastbound Highlands Ranch Parkway
  • Southbound US 85 to Eastbound Town Center Drive
  • Northbound US 85 to Westbound C-470

View a map of US 85 Interchange at the above 3 listed intersections.

Other projects along US 85 in Douglas County

Schedule

April 20 – April 26

Major Impacts: 

  • No major impacts.

Daily Impacts:

  • Single lane closures on northbound and southbound US 85 and on the C-470 ramps at US 85 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday, April 21, through Saturday, April 26.

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
The new trail and underpasses are expected to open in the coming weeks.

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.

Project Photos