Colorado Public Utilities Commission Approves Traffic Signal Upgrade

Strategic Insights -

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission has granted approval to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to upgrade the traffic signal at the intersection of US 6 and 20 Road, and to widen the existing crossing and replace the existing flashing light signals with gates and bells at the crossing of 20 Road with the tracks of the Union Pacific Railroad Company (UPRR) Green River Subdivision. The upgrade aims to improve safety and traffic flow by increasing the advance preemption time for the traffic signal.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CDOT submitted an application on May 17, 2022, requesting authority to interconnect and preempt a new traffic signal at the existing intersection of US 6 and 20 Road.
  • The UPRR, owner of the railroad tracks, filed an Entry of Appearance and Notice of Intervention on June 3, 2022, and did not contest or oppose the application.
  • CDOT estimates that 2023 traffic volumes will be 8,000 vehicles per day (VPD) and 2040 traffic volume will be 12,000 VPD, with 8 trains per day crossing the intersection.
  • CDOT proposes constructing the upgrade in February 2023 and completing the project by May 2023, with a construction cost of $4,303,356 and railroad costs of $932,881.
  • The Commission ordered CDOT to inform them in writing that the crossing changes are complete and operational within ten days of completion, with an expected letter by January 31, 2023.
  • CDOT must also file a copy of the signed Construction and Maintenance Agreement by May 31, 2023, and update the National Inventory Form for this crossing and file a copy of the updated crossing inventory form in this proceeding by May 31, 2023.

Statistics:

  • The current daily vehicle count at the intersection was approximately 7,179 vehicles per day (VPD) as of 2018.
  • The estimated 2023 traffic volume at the intersection is 8,000 VPD.
  • The estimated 2040 traffic volume at the intersection is 12,000 VPD.
  • The Commission has jurisdiction in this matter under SSSS 40-4-106(2)(a) and (3)(a), C.R.S.
  • The construction cost is estimated to be $4,303,356 for civil engineering elements and $932,881 for railroad costs.

Sources:

  • Decision No. C22-0414 BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO PROCEEDING NO. 22A-0213R
  • SSSS 40-4-106(2)(a) and (3)(a), C.R.S.
  • SSS 40-6-108(2) and 40-6-109.5, C.R.S.