Castle Rock is one of the fastest-growing communities in Colorado. The Town of Castle Rock faces the task of expanding the area’s infrastructure to contend with its increasing growth.
To keep up, the town has developed a Transportation Master Plan to improve and enlarge roads, bike paths, and pedestrian connections. This plan, in turn, should make roads safer, more efficient, and less prone to car accidents and other collisions. However, crashes can still occur, and if you’re injured in one, a Castle Rock car accident lawyer can help protect your rights and pursue compensation.
Here’s an overview of what to expect in the coming years.
A New Mobility Hub Along I-25
The Master Plan details the creation of a mobility hub along I-25. This hub will make it easier for residents and visitors to connect to regional transit, including Bustang bus service and a potential future passenger rail.
Several possible sites are under review, including areas near Plum Creek, Wolfensberger, and Walker-Pine Canyon. Over the next year, officials will select the location and commence environmental studies and design work. If all goes as planned, construction could begin later in the decade.
The hub is expected to include features like:
- Direct bus slip ramps for quicker travel times
- Comfortable shelters and waiting areas
- Safe bike and pedestrian connections to nearby neighborhoods
This project will offer tremendous benefits to commuters, providing several alternatives to sitting in I-25 traffic every day.
Expanding Multimodal Travel
The Transportation Master Plan also highlights numerous multimodal improvements for individuals using transportation methods other than automobiles.
Upcoming enhancements include:
- New and improved bike lanes that connect neighborhoods to schools, parks, and shopping areas
- Safer and wider sidewalks for pedestrians
- Planning for local transit services that could one day link to the Front Range Passenger Rail
Castle Rock is preparing for a future where residents have more travel options without the headache of major traffic.
Preparing for Growth
The Transportation Master Plan identifies several two-lane roads that will be widened to four or six lanes to handle growing traffic. These projects are scheduled to be completed by 2030, or by full build.
- Wolfensberger Rd to I-25 – 4 lanes
- Founders Pkwy to town limits – 4 lanes
- Town limits to Plum Creek Pkwy – 4 lanes
- Meadows Blvd to US 85 – 4 lanes
- Melting Snow Dr to Wolfensberger Rd; Atchison Way to Plum Creek Pkwy – 4 lanes
- Meadows Blvd to US 85 – 6 lanes
- Crowfoot Valley Rd to SH 86 – 6 lanes
- Woodlands Blvd to Founders Pkwy – 4 lanes
The Plan also calls for new and improved interchanges to enhance I-25 connectivity and relieve local congestion. These include new interchanges for I-25 at Crystal Valley Parkway and
I-25 at Ridge Rd / SH 86.
Frontage and Collector Road Extensions
The Master Plan lists several smaller projects that will expand frontage and collector roads to two lanes:
- East Frontage Road (Plum Creek Pkwy to Crystal Valley Pkwy)
- Perry Street (extend south to East Frontage Rd)
- Valley Drive (connect Hover Dr to Hudson Ln)
- Ridge Road (Plum Creek Pkwy to town limits)
These expansions are meant to improve connectivity between neighborhoods and reduce pressure on arterials.
What to Expect During Road Construction
Typically, road work is allowed during the following hours:
- Arterial & Collector Streets: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Local Streets: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Construction activities may continue adjacent to the roadway outside of those hours, but actual lane closures generally must adhere to the above schedule. Any barricades left overnight must feature flashing or steadily lit lights.
The Castle Rock Transportation Master Plan offers a promising blueprint for improving and expanding the area’s infrastructure and multimodal travel. The future of travel in Castle Rock will hopefully be safer, faster, and more connected.