Transportation Commission approves I-25 funding

For immediate release
October 20, 2011

Contact:
Jason Wilkinson
719-471-7080 x139

Transportation Commission approves I-25 funding

Breckenridge, CO—On October 20, 2011, the Colorado Transportation Commission voted unanimously to fund the widening of I-25 between Academy Boulevard and Interquest Parkway.

“This construction is likely to begin in the Spring of 2012. Working with PPACG Chairwoman Sallie Clark, Mayor Bach and Council President Hente as well as their PPACG board colleagues, in addition to our [State Transportation Advisory Committee] representative, Wayne Williams, I'm hopeful that future phases of I-25 widening are on the near-term horizon,” said Transportation Commissioner Les Gruen.

The total cost of the 4.52 mile project is $36 million. PPACG member governments will have to cover the final $5 million with other funds received through various state and federal sources. Earlier in the week, the PPACG Board of Directors approved a motion urging the Transportation Commission to allocate the funds.

“We’re very appreciative that the Colorado Department of Transportation and the State Transportation Commission has recommended funding this project out of the additional $229 million dollars being allocated to road projects statewide,” said PPACG Board Chairperson Sallie Clark. “While we are required to provide a local match, our board voiced support that this local $5 million investment is well worth the $31 million that will leverage dollars to jump start this long-awaited and necessary congestion mitigation project.”

The project is expected to take 15–18 months to complete. Nearly 70,000 vehicles per day use I-25 at Interquest. Between 2006 and 2010, that stretch of I-25 had 900 vehicle accidents. The project has been one of the highest regional priority projects since 2009 and is part of I-25’s designation as one of the State’s Strategic Corridors approved by the Colorado Legislature back in 1998. In addition to the I-25 funding, the Transportation Commission approved $60 million to widen the Twin Tunnels of eastbound I-70 in Clear Creek County.

PPACG is a voluntary association of 16 municipal and county governments serving a regional community. Since 1967, PPACG has worked to ensure that local governments have a forum to discuss issues that cross their political boundaries, identify shared opportunities and challenges, and develop collaborative strategies for action. For more information, visit www.ppacg.org.
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