Speed limit reduction, increased bike lanes coming to City streets
Recommendations in the City of Castle Pines Master Transportation Plan have led to a proposed speed and lane reduction in one area of the City, as well as the addition of protected bicycle lanes.
Information provided by the City of Castle Pines
The Castle Pines City Council is moving to implement recommendations made in the City’s Master Transportation Plan to improve safety and quality of life in Castle Pines.
Residents have voiced concerns regarding the speed of vehicles on local roads and the impacts on safety and the character of the community. In addition, more commuters are using Castle Pines residential streets as short cuts between neighboring communities.
In order to address these concerns, the City will make significant modifications to Castle Pines Parkway from Forest Park Drive west to the roundabout at Buffalo Trail. These changes include reducing the number of lanes in each direction from two lanes to one, adding protected bike lanes in each direction, improving crosswalks and reducing the speed limit from 40 mph to 35 mph.
High speeds are also a problem on the north side of the City. The City’s public works department is evaluating similar improvements along Griggs Road and Daniels Gate Road. Adding bicycle lanes and reducing the speed limit will enhance the residential character of the corridor and were recommendations identified in both the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Master Transportation Plan. Slower speeds also result in quieter roads and neighborhoods.
“Council’s decision to move forward with these roadway improvements is a result of feedback we’ve received from the community,” stated Mayor Jeffrey Huff. “Excessive speeds and pedestrian safety have been an issue here, and I’m pleased to see these plans put into action.”
According to Huff, the City spends about $2.6 million annually on road repairs and related expenditures, but current spending isn’t keeping pace with the community’s needs. The Comprehensive Plan and Master Transportation Plan have identified several areas where improvements could be made. In many neighborhoods, discontinuous sidewalks make it difficult or impossible for children to walk to school, and adding sidewalks and improving the safety of crosswalks near schools has been identified as critically important.
“There’s a list of improvements that the City would like to make,” explained Huff. “But the funds just aren’t available. That is why we are seriously considering asking voters to approve a one-cent on the dollar increase in the City’s sales and use tax.”
Residents can weigh in on their satisfaction with the roads and the proposed sales tax increase by taking a short online survey at www.castlepinesgov.com/street-maintenance.
