Changes are coming to one of the most iconic, scenic roads on Colorado's Front Range.
One is much more imminent: For long-held security concerns, automated night-time gates are expected to start Nov. 11 along a 4-mile stretch of Lookout Mountain Road. One gate will be posted around the Chimney Gulch Trail pullout, up the road from Golden, and the other up around Lookout Mountain Park, before the Buffalo Bill Museum.
That stretch is also the focus of Jefferson County officials eyeing changes to the way drivers and cyclists use the road.
Any change is likely a few years out, pending more decision-making and funding, said Christina Lane, the county's transportation operations and planning manager. But after months of studying and public surveying, her team has zeroed in on two of four traffic concepts initially proposed.
One concept would convert that 4-mile stretch of steep, narrow, twisting road — a stretch of concern for car-on-car and car-on-bike crashes — into a one-way for cars going uphill. To the left of uphill drivers would be a downhill bike lane, and to the right would be an uphill bike lane.
The other concept of interest: maintaining two-way vehicle traffic and creating what would be an intermittent uphill bike lane.
Due to natural, narrow constraints and a protected, historical footprint, that bike lane would be limited to "strategic locations," Lane said. "So maybe about a quarter or a third of the corridor."
Previously presented concepts showed continued two-way vehicle traffic and a downhill bike lane. Another showed an uphill-only lane for cars next to side-by-side uphill and downhill bike lanes.
Some locals wanted no change. "Which is something the county is not interested in," Lane said.
She added: "We have so many crashes on this small stretch of roadway, something needs to happen for the safety of both motorists and cyclists. Particularly with this uptick in bicycle-related crashes, something needs to be addressed."
A seven-year study through 2021 found nearly eight vehicle crashes a year on average were reported on Lookout Mountain Road. Lane said it was more difficult to pinpoint often-unreported bike accidents. But she pointed to four car-on-bike crashes reported this year alone — two of which are known to have resulted in cyclists' deaths.
The instances led to the county's critical focus on bikes, Lane explained, along with observed numbers of cyclists from near and far training on the road.
"Peak hours on weekends, especially early mornings, bicyclists outnumber vehicles by a long shot," Lane said.
That's not to ignore troubling trends of head-on vehicle collisions, she said.
Asked if she saw a best option for the two traffic concepts under consideration, Lane said: "I'm not hard-leaning toward one or the other right now. ... But, I mean, my main thought is, if we're going to reduce the pattern of head-on collisions between motorists, then the best solution is the one-way" uphill for drivers.
She said Jefferson County commissioners could consider a proposal early next year.
If the roadway barred downhill drivers, residents on the western, upper end have expressed fears of not being able to drive down to Golden in an emergency scenario. Their other routes down are Interstate 70 and U.S. 40.
In the case of evacuation, "emergency management is able to take over roadways and ensure there's safe egress," Lane emphasized.
Mary Ann Bonnell has emphasized the same when it comes to the upcoming night-time gates, which can be remote controlled. For residents on either end of the gates trying to get to or out of Golden, she recognized convenience lost.
"But it's an inconvenience for the greater good," said Bonnell, Jefferson County's visitor services and natural resources director.
For years officials have worried about drunk racing, gunfire and fireworks across upper parkland off the road. Bonnell said nine firework events have been reported this year — wildfire threats like the stolen car that was lit on fire last month, Bonnell said.
"I work Sunday mornings, and the aftermath ... I will walk the side of the road and there are needles, empty booze containers, used condoms," she said. "The trash is unbelievable."
From March through October, the gates will close one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise. During winter, they'll be closed from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.
The road will remain open to people on foot and bike who would be wise to wear headlamps.
"We anticipate runners and cyclists will really love the opportunity to enjoy the road without the dangers of vehicles," Bonnell said. "But if they party, we're coming for them."
Most Popular
Comments / 0