Background/Purpose:
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), with assistance from their consultant, Wilson & Company, conducted a corridor optimization study for two State Highways; 83 and 86. The study intent was to assess how to meet future travel demands in two corridors while considering modal mix, capacity, access, land use, cost and funding options.

As part of this Study, CDOT offered local jurisdictions an opportunity to provide input into this regional and statewide planning process. Of concern to Parker, was State Highway 83 (Parker Road) through the Town’s Urban Service Area, more specifically from Cottonwood Drive on the north to Stroh Road on the south. To assist the Town with this effort, EDAW was brought on to provide illustrations that would represent the Town’s vision during this process.

Parker Road Principles:
Specific principles were integrated in the Study and were the basis for the Town’s recommendations.

• Regional goal to establish alternative parallel routes
• A limited access freeway is not acceptable
• Current noise level is not acceptable
• Parker Road should not be widened
• Speeds should be lowered
• Pedestrian friendly
• Transit friendly
• Town control of traffic signals

Alternatives:
Five alternatives were initially considered:

• Do nothing
• Widen Parker Road
• Chambers Road Bypass
• One-Way Couplets
  • Parker Road and Twenty Mile Road
  • Twenty Mile and Dransfeldt Road
• Parallel Parkways

Of these, two alternatives, as outlined below, were carried forward and were supported for incorporation into the CDOT Study.

One-Way Couplets: One-way couplet along the existing Parker Road and Twenty Mile Road dividing north of Indian Pipe on the south and converging south of E-470 on the north.

Click here to view a jpg file of the one-way couplet option.

Parallel Parkways: Parallel parkways using an Intelligent Traffic System (ITS) to guide traffic to the fastest route, dividing north of Indian Pipe on the south and converging south of E-470 on the north.

Click here to view a jpg file of the parallel parkways option.