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February 2021

Design Process On Schedule Construction Anticipated Later in 2021

The City and its engineering design consultant AECOM are currently completing final design for the Black Forest Road widening project. Although a Corridor Study has already been completed for the entire three-mile corridor of Black Forest Road from Woodmen to Old Ranch Road, only the first segment of Woodmen Road to Research Parkway will continue into final design and begin construction later this year.    The City of Colorado Springs completed the project Corridor Widening Study in 2019 for future improvements to Black Forest Road to address rapid growth in the area. The study was presented during a public meeting in early 2019 and preliminary design for the first segment of Woodmen Road to Research Parkway began shortly thereafter.   The first segment was the focus of the design effort as it is on the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA) “A” List to widen Black Forest Road to a four lane Principal Arterial cross-section from Woodmen Road to Research Parkway, including a new bridge over Cottonwood Creek.   The project team incorporated public input into the project with the following proposed design considerations: Maintaining a rural feel: This is being accomplished by streetlights only at the intersections, and not the entire corridor. This provides safety, but still reduces night-time artificial pollution that can hamper night-sky viewing at dusk. Multi-use safety concerns: To address safety concerns related to conflicting bicycle and motorized vehicle movements between Woodmen Road and Vollmer Road, the shoulder was removed and replaced with 10-foot sidewalks on both the east and west sides of Black Forest Road. Traffic operations: The project will improve traffic operations at the intersections of Black Forest Road with Woodmen, Vollmer and Cowpoke roads and Research Parkway.  In addition to the existing traffic signals at Woodmen Road and Vollmer Road, permanent traffic signals will be added along Black Forest Road at Cowpoke Road and Research Parkway. (While not specifically a part of the Black Forest Road Corridor Widening Project, the City installed a temporary signal at the Cowpoke intersection in 2020 to assist with traffic flow for residents and the travelling public.) Dedicated right- and left-turn lanes do not currently exist at all major intersections along Black Forest Road. Turn lanes will be added at these intersections. One through lane in each direction will be added on Black Forest Road. Dual left-turn lanes will be provided for several movements with higher projected traffic volumes, including southbound left turns at Woodmen and Vollmer, westbound left turns at Vollmer, northbound left turns at Research, and eastbound left turns at Research. Overhead Utilities:  The proposed design includes undergrounding the Mountain View Electric Association’s overhead utilities currently on the east side of Black Forest Road between Woodmen and Research Parkway and removing the utility poles. Bridges over Cottonwood Creek: Two separate bridges will span the creek with an aesthetically pleasing design. Stabilization of that section of the creek will occur by the removing the existing riprap and upgrading the channelization. The project will also include provisions for the future trail under the bridge.

Conceptual rendering of the proposed bridge over Cottonwood Creek

Upcoming Virtual Public Information Meeting – More to Follow The public is invited to attend a virtual public information meeting this summer before construction begins (through MS Teams, the City’s preferred virtual meeting platform). Another eNewsletter will be distributed with the date/time and other information once a contractor is hired this summer. The project team is available to address any questions in the meantime. Contact Lisa@bachmanpr.com to schedule. "The City recognizes there is traffic congestion on Black Forest Road north of Woodmen Road and continues to work on the best approach to address it. We have had meetings with the school districts regarding existing and planned new schools and with developers regarding their residential development plans. In the short-term, the City's team is actively looking at ways we can alleviate some of the congestion. The safety of the public is important in evaluating any potential changes to the intersections." --Clyde Pikkaraine, Senior Project Manager, City of Colorado Springs

Project Update/Status Preliminary/Final Design (Woodmen Road to Research Parkway): Collaboration between the City and its engineering design firm AECOM has continued to develop an efficient design. The City has reviewed the Preliminary Design plans submitted by AECOM this past summer and has provided comments which are currently being addressed. Final plans will be submitted to the City for review this May. The City’s real estate consulting firm of TRS is in the process of meeting with individual property owners to discuss any potential property impacts and necessary easements needed for this first segment of construction.   Construction (Woodmen Road to Research Parkway): Utilities will be moved after land acquisitions are completed The City anticipates hiring a contractor in summer 2021 Construction for this first segment of the project is anticipated to start in later this year and continue until 2023 (weather and resource dependent)   Construction (Research Parkway to Old Ranch Road): Future work -- not scheduled

Project Overview Corridor Map CLICK HERE to view enlarged map on project website.

Frequently Asked Questions What is the proposed width of right-of-way for Black Forest Road, and is the widening happening to the east or west? The original road right-of-way (ROW) was a total of 60 feet; and the proposed ROW is 120 feet. Previous developments have consistently dedicated 30 feet of additional ROW on their plats for the future widening. The proposed design assumes 30 feet of widening on each side of the road to align with previous platted developments.   Will the road be closed during construction? The exact phasing for construction has not yet been determined. However, it is anticipated that the road construction can be phased with minimal closures of Black Forest Road. An exception might include very short-term lane closures such as when setting bridge girders, for the safety of the operation. Those type of measures typically occur in less than one day for each operation and may take place at night or other off-peak times.   Is there a plan for pedestrian and other multimodal accommodations? The planned section for Black Forest Road includes paved shoulders on the road and a 10-foot sidewalk on the west side for multi-use, as well as signalized pedestrian crossings at major intersections. It also includes planning for future connections to trails along Woodmen Road and Cottonwood Creek. The Black Forest Road improvements from Woodmen Road to Research Parkway include the pavement and/or sidewalks necessary to accommodate multimodal use in the future. CLICK HERE to view all FAQs.

Project Background

The Black Forest Road Corridor Study established an implementation plan to meet current and future capacity needs. It enables the City to move forward with future project design phases as funding becomes available for needed improvements and widening of Black Forest Road for this three-mile segment. The Corridor Study includes: Corridor Preservation and Implementation Plan The required number of road lanes and signalization Future bike, trail, and pedestrian accommodations Water quality and detention Erosion mitigation of Cottonwood Creek in the project area and the channel south of Research Parkway Replacement of the Cottonwood Creek Bridge   Improvements of Black Forest Road (Woodmen Road to Research Parkway) has funding through the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority II (PPRTA) as an “A” list project. To be added to the database to receive information and meeting notices, please send an email to: monica@bachmanpr.com Visit the Project Website: www.coloradosprings.gov/BlackForestRd

Anticipated Project Schedule and Project Team

Overall Project Schedule: 2019:  Overall Corridor Plan - Woodmen Road to Research Parkway 2020 to 2021: Final Design of Segment 1, Woodmen Road to Research Parkway Late summer /Early fall 2021 – 2023:  Expected Construction of Segment 1, Woodmen Road to Research Parkway Future Work:  Final Design and Construction of Segment 2, Research Parkway to Old Ranch Road Project Team: City of Colorado Springs Senior Project Manager - Clyde Pikkaraine Engineering Consultant - AECOM Public Engagement - Bachman pr

Visit the Project Website To be added to the mailing list for meeting notices and project information, please send an email to: Monica@bachmanpr.com

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