Federal, state and local officials on Wednesday, Sept. 15, broke ground on Denver’s Interstate 70/Central Park Boulevard Interchange, partially funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The $50 million project near Stapleton relies on $12 million from the Recovery Act. The remainder of the project will be funded by $30 million from The Better Denver Bond Program and other federal sources.
As Colorado’s largest highway Recovery Act investment, the Central Park Boulevard Interchange includes a new bridge that crosses I-70 and will provide direct access between the growing Stapleton area and major interstates I-70 and I-270. A 12-foot sidewalk on both sides across the interchange, well-lighted pedestrian walkways across the bridge and specially designed ramp intersections at both ends will improve safety for both pedestrians and cyclists.
“The Stapleton community will be well-served by this new interchange,” says Federal Highway Deputy Administrator Greg Nadeau. “The project is creating well-paying jobs for area workers, building safe multiuse paths for walkers and cyclists and, by reducing travel distance, giving time back to residents and commuters.”
When completed, the new Central Park Boulevard Interchange is expected to serve up to 18,000 daily drivers – a figure which is expected to nearly double by 2035. Currently, an estimated 228,000 daily drivers rely on I-70, a figure which is estimated to climb to 330,000 over the same period.
Of the more than $26.6 billion in ARRA highway funds available nationwide, Colorado received more than $385 million. As of Sept. 3, the state had obligated 113 projects, with 67 currently under way and 34 completed.
