Drivers in parts of the Denver metro area and central Colorado are beginning to see new flashing signs and roadside equipment going up at several rural intersections.
The Colorado Department of Transportation is installing conflict warning systems at four intersections in Douglas and Jefferson counties along Colorado Highway 74, Colorado Highway 83 and Colorado Highway 86.
According to CDOT’s project page, the overall effort began March 9 and is expected to be completed in late May.
A second phase of activity began March 23, when motorists started seeing shoulder and single lane closures at some of the intersections as installation work ramped up, according to CDOT’s news release announcing the project.
The $1.45 million project is being carried out by Sturgeon Electric Company. The goal is to improve safety at intersections that have limited visibility or a history of crashes, according to CDOT.
The installation started at CO 83 and Gillian Avenue between mile points 37 and 38, and at CO 83 and Russellville Road between mile points 40 and 41. Crews will then move to CO 86 and Deerfield Road at mile point 11, followed by CO 74 and Kerr Gulch near mile point 1.
Conflict warning systems are designed to reduce serious crashes, particularly right angle and turning collisions that are more common at rural highway intersections. The systems use radar or detection technology to monitor approaching vehicles, CDOT reports. When a vehicle is detected that could create a potential conflict, flashing signs alert drivers that cross traffic is present.
The systems do not function like traffic signals and do not change right of way. Instead, they provide an added warning intended to prompt drivers to slow down and double check before entering the intersection.
Rural highways such as CO 83 and CO 86 often carry higher speed limits and have wide open approaches, which can make it harder for drivers to judge safe gaps in traffic. Crashes at rural intersections tend to result in more severe injuries because of those higher speeds. The conflict warning systems are part of the department’s broader effort to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries statewide.
Motorists should expect traffic impacts during normal working hours, which are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Single lane closures are in place at CO 83 and Gillian Avenue and at CO 83 and Russellville Road. Shoulder closures are occurring at CO 86 and Deerfield Road and at CO 74 and Kerr Gulch.
Minimal delays are anticipated, but speeds are reduced through the work zones. CDOT urges drivers to follow posted signs, use caution and leave extra following distance when traveling through active construction areas.
Sources: CDOT
