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74,7
2003-2642
(
OFFICE OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
PHONE (970)356-4000, Ext. 4200
FAX: (970)352-0242
WEBSITE: www.co.weld.co.us
910 10th Street, P.O. Box 758
Greeley, Colorado 80632
•
COLORADO
September 2, 2003
Ms. Sylvia Poage
210 Eagle Avenue
Mead, Colorado 80542
RE: Weld County 1-25 Parallel Arterial Corridor Study
Dear Ms. Poage,
This letter is written in response to your letter dated August 25, 2003, to County Commissioners Geile and Jerke
regarding the possible alignments for future arterial corridors parallel to 1-25. We want to thank you for taking the -
time to write your letter and your interest in the future corridors. Public input is very valuable and welcome.
We understand your concerns about the possibility of extending WCR 7 through the St. Vrain State Park and
assure you that the Weld County Public Works Department has had numerous discussions with the Colorado
State Parks Department to find viable solutions for an alignment in this corridor. The corridor study is focused on
finding a western alignment as well as an eastern alignment. Future development and traffic predictions indicate
that corridors on both sides of 1-25 will be necessary.
Your information has been given to the project managers in charge of the corridor study for consideration in
developing the final alignments. Again, we appreciate your concerns and suggestion.
Enclosed are some Frequently Asked Questions Information sheets with additional information. Also, please visit
the Weld County Web site at www.co.weld.co.us/departments/publicworks.html for more information and future
public hearing dates.
Feel free to contact Wayne Howard, P.E.,Weld County Project Manager, at(970)356-4000, ext. 3788,for further
comments or questions.
Sincerely,
ec
Mike eile, Commissioner Bill Jerke, ommissioner
Enclosures
pc: Frank B. Hempen, Jr., Director of Public Works/County Engineer
Wayne Howard, Project Manager
M:\Wayne\CorrespondenceResponse.d oc
der; Frequently Asked Questions
vole 1-25Parallel Arterials Study
COLORADO
1. What is the purpose of this study?
As southwest Weld County continues to grow, the need to coordinate a plan for future roadways is
critical. A successful transportation plan, in balance with the land use plans anticipated in the area,
can only be achieved through the joint efforts of all of the communities. Recognizing that it is prudent
and responsible for government to plan for the future, Weld County has taken the lead to bring all the
local municipalities together to work on a key element of the transportation plan.
The purpose of this study is to establish preferred alignments for parallel north-south arterials on both
sides of 1-25, extending from Weld County Road 2 to Weld County Road 50 and connecting to
roadway systems in adjacent counties. These parallel arterials will improve local connectivity through
the project corridor, thereby lessening the demand for traffic to use 1-25 for local travel. By identifying
these routes at this time, this study will serve as a guide for Weld County and the municipalities within
the project corridor to preserve rights-of-way for the arterials so that they may be constructed as
needed. Planning for these roads will allow them to be implemented in an orderly fashion and will
allow for minimized impacts in the future.
2. Why are parallel arterials necessary? Why not just widen I-25 and/or use the frontage roads?
Because of the visibility and the accessibility that the interstate offers, significant growth has occurred
in recent years along the 1-25 corridor in southwest Weld County. The comprehensive plans of all of
the communities in the corridor indicate that the higher density land uses will occur in the I-25
corridor, and this trend is expected to continue. This growth will bring substantial demands on I-25
and on the local road system. Congestion is currently experienced on 1-25 and on the east-west
roads providing access to I-25 because no other reasonable choices for travel exist in the area. 1-25
will be widened someday, but previous studies of the corridor have suggested that, even with
widening, 1-25 will continue to be congested in the future.
In the current low density, rural setting, the frontage roads have been able to function reasonably
well. However, as the area continues to develop, the frontage roads are not a viable solution to
handling higher traffic volumes.Their proximity to the interchanges at major cross streets creates
safety and capacity problems that significantly affect traffic operations at the interchanges and on the
interstate.
The concept for the parallel arterial roads is based on two principles. First, with a majority of the
intense development expected within a mile of 1-25, arterials likewise located within a mile of 1-25
could best serve the traffic demands associated with the growth. Secondly, if these arterials are
continuous, they would be an appealing altemative to using 1-25 for relatively short distance trips
within the corridor, thereby allowing 1-25 to better serve its intended purpose of interregional travel.
3. How were the "preferred"arterial routes identified?
The study began with an extensive data collection effort to better understand the opportunities and
the constraints presented by the study area. Comprehensive plans and transportation plans from the
communities in the corridor were compiled and reviewed; parcel ownership information was collected;
known development plans were assembled; environmental data compiled by the County were
mapped; and other relevant information was also assessed.With this information and with input from
the public and from representatives of the local entities, a number of alternative routes were identified
in each segment of the corridor.These alternatives were then evaluated based on a number of
factors including: transportation effectiveness, roadway geometry, impacts to the community, future
land use consequences, existing development consequences, environmental impacts, safety,
construction and construction costs. The results of this evaluation process were then discussed with
representatives of the local entities, and "preferred" routes on each side of 1-25 were preliminarily
identified. These routes are now being presented for public comment, after which they may be further
refined.
4. How have the local entities and the public been involved in this project?
Local entities, including the Town of Berthoud, the City of Dacono, the Town of Erie, the Town of
Firestone, the Town of Frederick, the Town of Johnstown, the City of Longmont, the Town of Mead,
the City of Northglenn, the City of Thornton, Larimer County, Adams County, and the City and County
of Broomfield, have been actively involved with this planning process since its beginning. A Local
Agency Advisory Group, comprised of representatives of these local governments and other
agencies, has met three times throughout the study to provide input on data needs, the identification
of alternatives, and the evaluation of those alternatives. In addition to these meetings, County staff
and the consultant team have conducted five additional meetings with other affected groups such as
Colorado State Parks, Colorado Division of Wildlife, and the St. Vrain Valley School District. Input
from all of these entities has been important in the selection of the"preferred" routes.
The public has also been an integral part of this process. An initial open house for the project was
conducted to receive input from the public on concerns, issues, and opportunities for potential routes
through the project area. Numerous phone calls and letters have also been received from the public
on this study. In order to ensure maximum public involvement in this round of two open houses,
notification has been sent to all of the property owners adjacent to the preferred routes (over 1000
mailers), advertisements have been placed in three local papers, and a notice has been posted on
the County's web site.
5. When will these arterials be constructed?How will right-of-way be obtained for these
arterials? Who will fund the construction of these arterials?
At this point in time, there is no specific schedule for the construction of these arterials. The
construction schedule for the arterial routes will be highly dependent on the growth and development
that occurs in the area. Weld County and the municipalities within the project corridor will use this
study as a basis to obtain rights-of-way for the arterials from developers as development in the area
occurs. Rights-of-way not obtained through the development process will be purchased as needed.
Furthermore, as 7.development occurs, it is anticipated that developments adjacent to the arterials
will be responsible for the construction required to mitigate their impacts. The County and
municipalities in the corridor will be responsible for those portions not funded by developments.
6. What is the relationship of the Weld County Road 13 improvement project to this study?
Weld County is currently pursuing a project to improve Weld County Road 13 throughout the study
area. It has been identified by the County as a Strategic Roadway which will function as a high
volume arterial carrying traffic from State Highway 7 to State Highway 14. This is a function sorely
missed in this part of the county. However, it is believed that it is too far removed from 1-25 to serve
the same function as the parallel arterials. Hence, it will remain a separate, but complementary,
project to the parallel arterials.
7. What are the next steps?
When the study is complete, it is the intent of Weld County staff to present the findings of the study to
the Board of County Commissioners for consideration in a public hearing. If accepted, the next step
would be to develop Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs)with the local municipalities to ensure that
the alignments are preserved for future implementation.
Additional information on this study can be found on Weld County's web site at:
http://www.co.weld.co.us/departments/pub li c_wo rks/p u bl icworks_study.htm I
This information will be updated as the study progresses.
, 08/25/2003 13:56 9705350831 TOWN OF MEAD PAGE 03
Sylvia J.Poage
210 Eagle Avenue
Mead,CO 80542
August 25,2003
Mite Gen
Bill Jerk
Weld County Commissioner
Dear Mr.Geil and Mr. Jerk,
I would like to express my concerns about and opposition to the proposed use of Weld
County Road 7 for the mitigation of traffic on 1-25.
While I am a homeowner in the area and I am very worried ut increased(I traffic n not a parent
n
road that children use for bicycling,skateboarding, and ro��fadin
myself but I drive this road daily and I am constantly surprised at how children sees[so
unaware of safety issues when it comes to playing in the road!), I am more concerned
about the environmental costs of this projeot. Specifically,
• Widening and extending Weld County Road 7 across the St. Main river would
disrupt the environment of the recently protected river corridor and create the
precedent of building a large highway through a state park
• By going forward with the project,Weld County would be wasting part of the
$850,000 matching money that it spent on obtaining the grant to protect the St.Vrail%
corridor_
• Even if it is considered useful to increase the traffic carrying capacity of the 1-25
corridor by enlarging county roads to either side of the freeway,it is probable that a
county road east of 1-25 would carry as much traffic and have fewer social and
environmental impacts.
Meat don't do this. I am aware of the traffic problems on 1.25 because 1 use the freeway
to commute to Deaver,but I would rather be delayed than see this solution implemented.
I understand that there is no place that we can build alternative routes that will not impact
the environment and the people in the area,but please stick with your plea
to a
protected Open Space along the St.Thin Greenway corridor.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Regards,
te
Q OFFICE OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
PHONE (970)356-4000, Ext. 4200
FAX: o.weld
WEBSITE: www.co.weld.co.us
52(970)352-0242
910 10th Street, P.O. Box 758
Greeley, Colorado 80632
' September 2, 2003
C.
COLORADO
- John Coleman
Ann M. Finslan
208 7th St.
Dacono, Colorado 80514
RE: Weld County I-25 Parallel Arterial Corridor Study
Dear Mr. Coleman and Ms. Finsland:
This letter is written in response to your letter dated August 23, 2003,to County Commissioners Geile, Jerke, and
Vaad regarding the possible alignments for future arterial corridors paralleling 1-25. We want to thank you for
taking the time to write your letter and your interest in the future corridors. Public input is very valuable and
welcome.
We understand your concerns about the possibility of extending WCR 7 through the St. Vrain State Park and
assure you that the Weld County Public Works Department has had numerous discussions with the Colorado
State Parks Department to find viable solutions for an alignment in this corridor. The corridor study is focused on
finding a western alignment as well as an eastern alignment. Future development and traffic predictions indicate
that corridors on both sides of 1-25 will be necessary.
Your information has been given to the project managers in charge of the corridor study for consideration in
developing the final alignments. Again, we appreciate your concerns and suggestions.
Enclosed are some Frequently Asked Questions information sheets with additional information.Also, please visit
the Weld County Web site at www.co.weld.co.us/departments/publicworks.html for more information and future
public hearing date. Feel free to contact Wayne Howard, P.E.,Weld County Project Manager,at(970)356-4000,
ext. 3788, if you have any further comments or questions. .
Sincerely,
e Bile, Commissioner Glenn Va'a , Gorier
` '2.-te?
Bill Jerke, Co missioner
pc: Frank B. Hempen, Jr., Director of Public Works/County Engineer
Wayne Howard, Project Manager
M:\Wayne\Coleman Response.doc
,iet4; Frequently Asked Questions
inlet 1-25Parallel Arterials Study
COLORADO
1. What is the purpose of this study?
As southwest Weld County continues to grow, the need to coordinate a plan for future roadways is
critical. A successful transportation plan, in balance with the land use plans anticipated in the area,
can only be achieved through the joint efforts of all of the communities. Recognizing that it is prudent
and responsible for government to plan for the future, Weld County has taken the lead to bring all the
local municipalities together to work on a key element of the transportation plan.
The purpose of this study is to establish preferred alignments for parallel north-south arterials on both
sides of 1-25, extending from Weld County Road 2 to Weld County Road 50 and connecting to
roadway systems in adjacent counties. These parallel arterials will improve local connectivity through
the project corridor, thereby lessening the demand for traffic to use 1-25 for local travel. By identifying
these routes at this time, this study will serve as a guide for Weld County and the municipalities within
the project corridor to preserve rights-of-way for the arterials so that they may be constructed as
needed. Planning for these roads will allow them to be implemented in an orderly fashion and will
allow for minimized impacts in the future.
2. Why are parallel arterials necessary? Why not just widen 1-25 and/or use the frontage roads?
Because of the visibility and the accessibility that the interstate offers, significant growth has occurred
in recent years along the 1-25 corridor in southwest Weld County. The comprehensive plans of all of
the communities in the corridor indicate that the higher density land uses will occur in the 1-25
corridor, and this trend is expected to continue. This growth will bring substantial demands on 1-25
and on the local road system. Congestion is currently experienced on 1-25 and on the east-west
roads providing access to 1-25 because no other reasonable choices for travel exist in the area. 1-25
will be widened someday, but previous studies of the corridor have suggested that, even with
widening, 1-25 will continue to be congested in the future.
In the current low density, rural setting, the frontage roads have been able to function reasonably
well. However, as the area continues to develop, the frontage roads are not a viable solution to
handling higher traffic volumes.Their proximity to the interchanges at major cross streets creates
safety and capacity problems that significantly affect traffic operations at the interchanges and on the
interstate.
The concept for the parallel arterial roads is based on two principles. First,with a majority of the
intense development expected within a mile of 1-25, arterials likewise located within a mile of 1-25
could best serve the traffic demands associated with the growth. Secondly, if these arterials are
continuous, they would be an appealing alternative to using 1-25 for relatively short distance trips
within the corridor, thereby allowing 1-25 to better serve its intended purpose of interregional travel.
3. How were the "preferred"arterial routes identified?
The study began with an extensive data collection effort to better understand the opportunities and
the constraints presented by the study area. Comprehensive plans and transportation plans from the
communities in the corridor were compiled and reviewed; parcel ownership information was collected;
known development plans were assembled; environmental data compiled by the County were
mapped; and other relevant information was also assessed. With this information and with input from
the public and from representatives of the local entities, a number of alternative routes were identified
in each segment of the corridor. These alternatives were then evaluated based on a number of
factors including: transportation effectiveness, roadway geometry, impacts to the community, future
land use consequences, existing development consequences, environmental impacts, safety,
construction and construction costs. The results of this evaluation process were then discussed with
representatives of the local entities, and "preferred" routes on each side of 1-25 were preliminarily
identified.These routes are now being presented for public comment, after which they may be further
refined.
4. How have the local entities and the public been involved in this project?
Local entities, including the Town of Berthoud, the City of Dacono, the Town of Erie, the Town of
Firestone, the Town of Frederick, the Town of Johnstown, the City of Longmont,the Town of Mead,
the City of Northglenn, the City of Thornton, Larimer County, Adams County, and the City and County
of Broomfield, have been actively involved with this planning process since its beginning.A Local
Agency Advisory Group, comprised of representatives of these local governments and other
agencies, has met three times throughout the study to provide input on data needs, the identification
of alternatives, and the evaluation of those alternatives. In addition to these meetings, County staff
and the consultant team have conducted five additional meetings with other affected groups such as
Colorado State Parks, Colorado Division of Wildlife, and the St.Vrain Valley School District. Input
from all of these entities has been important in the selection of the"preferred"routes.
The public has also been an integral part of this process. An initial open house for the project was
conducted to receive input from the public on concerns, issues, and opportunities for potential routes
through the project area. Numerous phone calls and letters have also been received from the public
on this study. In order to ensure maximum public involvement in this round of two open houses,
notification has been sent to all of the property owners adjacent to the preferred routes (over 1000
mailers), advertisements have been placed in three local papers, and a notice has been posted on
the County's web site.
5. When will these arterials be constructed?How will right-of-way be obtained for these
arterials? Who will fund the construction of these arterials?
At this point in time, there is no specific schedule for the construction of these arterials. The
construction schedule for the arterial routes will be highly dependent on the growth and development
that occurs in the area.Weld County and the municipalities within the project corridor will use this
study as a basis to obtain rights-of-way for the arterials from developers as development in the area
occurs. Rights-of-way not obtained through the development process will be purchased as needed.
Furthermore, as 7.development occurs, it is anticipated that developments adjacent to the arterials
will be responsible for the construction required to mitigate their impacts. The County and
municipalities in the corridor will be responsible for those portions not funded by developments.
6. What is the relationship of the Weld County Road 13 improvement project to this study?
Weld County is currently pursuing a project to improve Weld County Road 13 throughout the study
area. It has been identified by the County as a Strategic Roadway which will function as a high
volume arterial carrying traffic from State Highway 7 to State Highway 14. This is a function sorely
missed in this part of the county. However, it is believed that it is too far removed from 1-25 to serve
the same function as the parallel arterials. Hence, it will remain a separate, but complementary,
project to the parallel arterials.
7. What are the next steps?
When the study is complete, it is the intent of Weld County staff to present the findings of the study to
the Board of County Commissioners for consideration in a public hearing. If accepted, the next step
would be to develop Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs)with the local municipalities to ensure that
the alignments are preserved for future implementation.
Additional information on this study can be found on Weld County's web site at:
http://www.co.weld.co.us/d epartments/p ubl ic_wo rks/pu b l icwo rks_study.htm l
This information will be updated as the study progresses.
John L Coleman
Ann M.Finsland
208 7th St.
Dacono,Weld County,CO
303 833 5201
Weld County Commissioners
Glenn Vaad(District 2)
Mike Geile(At-Large)
Bill Jerke(At-Large)
915 Tenth St
P.O.Box 458,Greeley,CO 80632
Fax:970.352-0242
August 23,2003
Re:Weld County Road 7 Expansion Project
Distinguished Commissioners,
We were disturbed to learn about the planned expansion of the WCR 7 between
Berthoud and Broomfield.The expansion appears to pave right over the newly created St.Vrain
State Park before many of the Weld County residents who paid for part of the river corridors land,
even have a chance to use it !
Having already been on some of the portions of the park cmi tly open,we can testify to
their value and we look forward to further segments begin opened.We believe that Weld County
funding part of the Greenway was a good investment that future generations will appreciate,
provided we don't pave over what we just paid to protect.
While I certainly understand that the projects may have been planned in different and
discrete organizations,the conflict has now become clear and we respectfully suggest that it is
time for the Weld County Commissioners to chart a new course for the road building,one which
does not pave over a newly created park.
It may be that a more comprehensive analysis will yield other areas in Weld County for
road expansion.We live a few miles east of I-25 and submit that the east side may offer a number
of roads suitable for expansion that do not disrupt the newly created St.Vrain River Corridor so
significantly.We look forward� to your judicious decision.d
Jo L. Coleman Ann M.Finsland
M.S.,Doctoral Candidate M.A.,CCC-SLP
Applied Statistics and Research Methods Speech-Language Pathologist
University of Northern Colorado Adams 12 School District
CC:Deputy Director Lyle Laverty,Colorado State Parks Department
Governor Bill Owens
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