Colorado,  Quality of Life Benefits of Transportation,  Safety

Edwards Spur Road project

Colorado Department of Transportation’s multiyear Edwards Spur Road project in the Eagle County community of Edwards on the Western Slope increased capacity, improved safety, and enhanced multi-modal mobility. The project, from the Interstate 70 interchange (Exit 163) to the road’s intersection with US Highway 6, showcases what happens when CDOT, local governments, and communities work together to build improvements that profoundly improve quality of life. The conversion from a signalized intersection to a roundabout will reduce the potential for vehicular crashes and has already reduced travel times during congested hours, such as morning traffic. Project improvements also included widening and adding a lane in each direction along Edwards Spur Road, trail system improvements including pedestrian bridges, and transit stop improvements. As a result, pedestrians and bicyclists can now safely and easily reach a popular nearby business center.

The $21.3 million project began in 2019 and finished on budget and on schedule, a significant achievement as crews adjusted to new workplace guidelines prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A key feature of the project was the conversion of the intersection of US 6 and Edwards Spur Road from a signal to a roundabout, which was completed ahead of schedule and prior to the start of the 2019-20 school year.

“This project meets Eagle County’s strategic vision in several aspects,” said Kathy Chandler-Henry, Eagle County Commissioner. “It encourages wellness by providing safe transportation for our residents. It supports sustainability by providing and improving the health of the Eagle River by removing a bridge pier from the river and it supports our commitment to recreation by connecting the trail system from the north to the south along the Spur Road.”


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2021