El Paso County has initiated a study examining the need for safety, capacity and mobility improvements on Baptist Road West between I-25 and Forest Lakes Drive. The study will investigate a grade separated railroad crossing to address safety concerns and alleviate traffic congestion and delay caused by the existing at-grade Union Pacific railroad crossing.
Felsburg Holt & Ullevig will be conducting the corridor study on behalf of the county. The study is scheduled to be completed by Fall 2012 and will recommend a preferred alternative. After the study is complete, it is anticipated that the project will advance into preliminary and final design, with an expected completion in 2013, followed by construction, which is dependent upon available funding.
In April, El Paso County held its initial public meeting for the Baptist Road West corridor study. The open house provided informational displays of initial findings for review and comment. Click here to view the meeting material.
In November, a second open house presented the results of the alternative screening process and introduced the recommended alternative alignment. The recommended alternative alignment, along with several other alignments, was screened against criteria such as environmental impacts, cost, property impacts, constructability, and utility impacts. In these categories the recommended alternative alignment had the best composite score among all alternatives. Click here to view the informational displays and the presentation.
Recommended Alternative
The recommended alternative which is also the proposed PPRTA project has the following characteristics:
- meets county design speed criteria
- has a posted speed of 35 mph
- has sufficient capacity to accommodate future traffic volumes
- maintains existing railroad access during construction
- is cost-effective
- minimizes environmental and existing property owners impacts
- accommodates approved development plans, access and trails in the area
The evaluation of the alternatives were separated into two segments: Segment 1 extends from Old Denver Highway past Hay Creek Road; Segment 2 is between Old Denver Highway and I-25.
Segment 1 of the Recommended Alternative has:
- one 12-foot travel lane in each direction with a 12-foot turn lane in the center
- a new bridge over the railroad, with a 10-foot multiuse path
- potential for a roundabout at the intersection of Baptist Road and Hay Creek Road
Segment 2 of the Recommended Alternative has:
- two 12-foot travel lanes in each direction with a 12-foot right turn lane, matching the existing roadway section at Baptist and I-25
- 12-foot left turn lanes on all approaches at the Baptist Road and Old Denver Highway intersection
- potential for a roundabout or a traffic signal at the intersection of Baptist Road and Old Denver Highway
- Click Here to view the Recommended Alternative and profile.
Next Steps
The project's next step is to development of the preliminary design, coordination with the railroad, obtain environmental clearances, refine the project cost estimate, and identify supplemental funding with construction beginning in 2014.
We Want Your Feedback
Do you have any issues, concerns, or suggestions regarding the Baptist Road West study? Let us know what you think by contacting Steve Murray at 719-314-1800 or emailing to study@baptistroad.com.