Why are you doing this study?
The US 24 West Corridor provides a vital connection for business, commuters, tourism and recreation. It is the only major access to the mountains between US 285 and US 50. The highway was constructed in 1964 in its current configuration. It is currently part of the regional transportation network and has been identified in the long-range transportation plan from the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments (PPACG).

Since there is no immediate funding for construction on US 24 West, why are you doing this study now?
In order to get funding programmed through the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments (PPACG), CDOT needs to complete a study that provides a plan of improvements and that obtains environmental clearance from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This plan helps PPACG to decide when and how much funding should be programmed for US 24 improvements. To proceed to final design and construction a project must be included in PPACG’s long range transportation plan, and obtain environmental clearance from FHWA.

What will the study examine?
The study will examine existing congestion issues and develop long- and short-term strategies to enhance and improve traffic operations and safety. The study is an Environmental Assessment (EA), which looks at environmental resources, existing and future traffic demands, and alternatives that could be implemented to enhance the corridor. All ideas presented will be considered. “No action” or doing nothing, is also an alternative.

Won’t the environmental assessment be stale by the time funding is available?
There is no legally defined “shelf life” for environmental assessments. An environmental document over three years old, and whose proposed action is not actively being implemented, typically requires a written assessment of whether conditions have changed and an analysis of these changes.

What process will be used to conduct the study?
We are going to use a process that is tailored to the specific and unique context of this corridor... one in which stakeholders shape the outcome. This process requires understanding the corridor from all perspectives: How does it work? Who does it serve? How does it serve the community? What is its historic significance? By understanding these perspectives, we can ensure a process that is open, honest and responsive to all corridor users. Decision Process

How much right-of-way will be needed to construct this project?
Refinements to the project design are currently being evaluated in order to minimize the right-of-way impacts from the transportation improvements. Completion of the design is expected in Spring 2007. At that time the project team will provide the public more information about specific right-of-way requirements as a result of the project.

How do I participate?
Contact Us: Fill out the form on this page to get on the mailing list for newsletters and notices or to send a comment.
Get Involved: This page will give you the dates of the Public Open Houses and Workshops.

Who will make the decision?
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) makes the final decision based on a recommendation from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). CDOT’s recommendation is the culmination of an inclusive process involving not only the technical aspects of environmental impacts and traffic engineering, but also stakeholder involvement from cities and counties, the business community, residents and corridor users.

Who is paying for the study?
FHWA and CDOT are paying for the study with highway user tax dollars. Construction monies to build any recommended improvements have not been identified or appropriated. Completing the EA puts the project in line for future funding when it becomes available.

Why are you doing a greenway plan?
The greenway is a master plan for how the right of way adjacent to Fountain Creek could look and be put to productive use. Two-thirds of US 24 between Manitou Springs and I-25 lies within the 100-year floodplain today, including 95 percent of the roadway east of 31st Street. FHWA has directed the project team to evaluate the effects of removing all of US 24 from the floodplain, in the interest of public safety and to protect public infrastructure.

During the floodplain evaluation, the project team recognized the opportunity to integrate transportation and flood control improvements into the surrounding community. The greenway master plan is a vision for the look and use of project right of way. The greenway master plan is consistent with planning and visioning documents such as the 1978 Westside Plan, the 1986 Midland Plan and the 1989 Midland/Fountain Creek Parkway Corridor Plan.

Is this related to other highway projects in the area?
Please See Other Related Studies.