Construction on Crystal Valley Interchange is underway
Aerial view looking south of Crystal Valley development plans.
A significant infrastructure project in Castle Rock, the Crystal Valley Interchange (CVI), is underway. On I-25, two miles south of the Plum Creek Parkway and roughly eight miles north of Tomah Road, the CVI has been a top priority of local authorities with the goal to bring improved regional connection to I-25 and the ever-growing community.
The Town of Castle Rock, alongside Douglas County and contractor Kraemer North America, began phase one in April. (CDOT is an approving authority but is not participating in the construction or funding.)
The CVI will improve mobility and safety for increasing traffic and provide crucial multimodal transportation links to southern Castle Rock and surrounding Douglas County, according to a statement by Douglas County.
The features of CVI will include: a new Crystal Valley Parkway bridge over I-25 to include updated trail and sidewalk connections; a new roundabout on Crystal Valley Parkway on the east side of I-25; improved northbound and southbound on and off ramps; a new bridge over the BSNF Railway west of I-25; and the relocation of segments of East and West Frontage Roads.
The project is timely as a new master planned community known as Dawson Trails, which will include up to 5,850 homes and 3.2million square feet of commercial development (including a new Costco), is slated to be built at the interchange.
The CVI will cost approximately $142.4 million, and according to the Town of Castle Rock, funding sources include:
- $50 million from the Dawson Trails developer
- $24 million from Douglas County for the interchange, plus $11 million for the West Frontage Road, which will be known in the future as Dawson Trails Boulevard
- $8.5 million grant from the Denver Regional Council of Governments
- $5.4 million BUILD grant from the United States Department of Transportation
As authorized by voters, any additional funding will come from The Town’s Transportation Capital Fund, which includes sales tax, motor vehicle taxes, new development impact fees, to name a few.
To minimize delays to commuters and traffic congestion, most of the CVI project will be done in phases with construction being done outside of the travel lanes. The CVI is expected to wrap up in mid-2027, with major road construction completed by late 2026.
For additional information and updated traffic changes, visit CRgov.com/CVI or call 720-733-6097. Check CRgov.com/TrailConditions for any trail closings.
By Bear Rothe; photo courtesy of the Town of Castle Rock
