May 28, 2008
EVENT MARKS START OF I-25 & PLUM CREEK INTERCHANGE CONSTRUCTION
CASTLE ROCK — The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Town of Castle Rock celebrated the start of the Interstate 25/Plum Creek Interchange reconstruction project at a groundbreaking ceremony in Castle Rock today. Colorado Transportation Commissioner Greg McKnight joined Castle Rock Mayor Randy Reed, Douglas County Commissioner Melanie Worley and other dignitaries to mark the occasion and turn the first shovels of dirt.
“This project was originally discussed six years ago and then in 2004, CDOT and Castle Rock began moving forward to plan this project,” said Colorado Transportation Commissioner Greg McKnight. “It’s another excellent example of what we can accomplish when we work together to improve our transportation infrastructure.”
The project involves widening northbound and southbound I-25 from two to three lanes between 5th Street and Douglas Lane and a complete reconstruction of the I-25/Plum Creek Parkway Interchange, 300 to 400 feet north of the current half-interchange, with new ramps, bridges, lighting and landscaping. Plum Creek Parkway also will be widened and straightened west of Wilcox Street.
Off-road project hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. All work requiring lane closures will take place at night, between 9 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., Sunday through Thursday. Construction is scheduled for completion in December 2009.
“Voters also played an important role in making this project happen now instead of later by approving the Transportation Action Plan bond issue in 2005,” said Castle Rock Mayor Randy Reed. “Because of that approval, this project will be completed by the end of next year instead of by 2015. That’s good news for everyone because the new interchange not only will mean less confusion and congestion but also involves infrastructure improvements that are vital to economic development in the area.”
Initial operations involve a slight realignment of southbound I-25 from Plum Creek to Douglas Lane, including barrier placement, dirt work and construction of temporary pavement. Work also will be taking place at the bridges over Plum Creek and at the new interchange site. The speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph and vehicles wider than 11 feet will not be allowed to travel through the work zone.
“We’re here to mark the start of one of the last projects that was approved as part of the environmental impact statement’s preferred alternative for I-25 through the county,” said Douglas County Commissioner Melanie Worley. “It’s been several years but today, as we join together to mark this beginning with our various partners, we can say it was well worth it and a win-win for the citizens of Douglas County and of Colorado.”
As part of the Plum Creek Parkway reconstruction, the banks of East Plum Creek will be re-graded and enhanced to minimize environmental impacts. Additional trees (112), bushes (850) and other vegetation will be planted. CDOT also will build a small portion of the East Plum Creek Trail, which is a part of the Colorado Front Range Trail.
“Improving I-25 and the Plum Creek Interchange is a very important step to maximize capacity and safety through an area that continues to see significant population growth,” said CDOT Regional Transportation Director Jeff Kullman. “The project marks a continuation of CDOT’s goal to upgrade this vital transportation corridor between Denver and Colorado Springs.”
Edward Kraemer and Sons Inc., of Plain, WI is the contractor for the $29.4 million project.