Train Blockage

As your mayor, one of my primary goals is to prioritize infrastructure improvements that enhance safety, reduce congestion, and support long-term growth in Commerce City.

A key focus of this vision is addressing grade separations between roadways and train tracks, particularly within our city’s transportation network. I believe this goal is more achievable along State Highway 85 than along Highway 2, and here’s why.

The Case for Grade Separation on Highway 85

State Highway 85 serves as a vital corridor for both local and regional transportation. With its higher traffic volume and numerous at-grade crossings with train tracks, this highway is an ideal candidate for grade separation projects. By separating east-west vehicle traffic from north south rail lines, we can eliminate the frequent and frustrating delays caused by trains and significantly improve overall traffic flow. This type of improvement has already been implemented successfully on South Santa Fe Drive, where grade-separated intersections have created a safer and more efficient transportation network.

Benefits of Focusing on Highway 85

1.Safety Improvements: Highway 85 has more rail crossings than Highway 2, increasing the potential for accidents between vehicles and trains. Grade separations would reduce these risks, making our roads safer for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

2.Reduced Congestion: With higher traffic volumes on Highway 85, eliminating the need for vehicles to stop for trains would significantly decrease travel times and alleviate traffic bottlenecks.

3.Economic Impact: Highway 85 is a critical route for commercial traffic. Grade separations would improve efficiency for local businesses, encouraging growth and attracting new investments to the area.

4.Community Development: Focusing on Highway 85 aligns with future development plans, ensuring our infrastructure can meet the needs of a growing population.

Why Highway 2 Faces Greater Challenges

While Highway 2 is also important, it poses more challenges for grade separation projects due to its proximity to residential areas and existing infrastructure constraints. Implementing grade separations on Highway 2 would require extensive land acquisition and more complex construction, which could delay progress and significantly increase costs. In contrast, the layout and usage patterns of Highway 85 make it a more practical and achievable starting point.

My Commitment as Mayor

I will work to prioritize grade separation projects on Highway 85 as part of a broader effort to modernize our city’s transportation infrastructure. I will actively collaborate with state and federal agencies to secure funding, engage with community members to ensure their voices are heard, and advocate for practical, forward-thinking solutions that benefit everyone in Commerce City.

By addressing these challenges head-on, we can build a safer, more efficient transportation system that supports our city’s growth and improves the quality of life for all residents.