Ridge Road, Fifth Street widening projects top Town Council’s April 5 meeting agenda

A construction contract to widen Ridge Road to four lanes and a recommendation to widen Fifth Street to four lanes next year will be topics on Town Council’s April 5 meeting agenda. View the full agenda online.

Here is a closer look:

Ridge Road widening contract – Town Council will be asked to approve a contract with Schmidt Construction to widen Ridge Road to four lanes between Fifth Street/State Highway 86 and Plum Creek Parkway. Traffic volumes on the stretch have risen, and the widening will help improve safety and operations along the road.

Schmidt is being recommended for the job from among four firms following a competitive bidding process. Under the proposed contract, the Town could pay Schmidt up to $4.65 million for its work, which in addition to the widening will include a median, sidewalk on the west side, bike lanes and streetlights.

If Council approves the agreement, work is expected to begin in May and be complete this fall. Because the road was constructed in anticipation of future widening, disturbance during the project should be minimal.

Fifth Street design recommendation – Council will also be asked to approve Town staff’s recommendation that Fifth Street be widened to four lanes next year between Gilbert Street and Ridge Road. The project has three main objectives: 1) to increase multimodal use; 2) to improve safety; and 3) to improve operations.

Staff assessed six alternatives in arriving at its recommendation. Public feedback was a determining factor in recommending a four-lane design that includes a roundabout at Fifth Street’s intersection with Woodlands Boulevard and a traffic signal at its intersection with Valley Drive.

The recommended design includes a raised median and a speed limit reduction from 45 mph to 35 mph. On-street bike lanes and an 8-foot sidewalk are also part of the recommendation.

Once Town Council provides staff its direction regarding the design, work will begin to acquire the property needed to complete the work, which is slated for 2023.

Also on the agenda, Council will be asked to approve the use of the Town’s American Rescue Plan Act funds on the Ridge Road project, along with the upcoming project to widen Plum Creek Parkway between Eaton Street and Ridge Road. The Town’s use of this $5.7 million in federal funds on these projects would provide additional budget capacity to complete other road projects sooner than currently planned.

Additionally, Council will be asked to approve updates to Castle Rock Fire and Rescue’s Community Risk Assessment/Standards of Cover and Strategic Plan documents. The first of these defines risks and outlines CRFD’s performance goals, while the latter sets goals for the department’s continuous improvement over the next five years.

Stay tuned

Town Council generally meets twice a month to make decisions that impact the community. Whether it’s a road project, construction contract or budget amendment, Town Council is working to represent you.

Wondering what happens next? Keep an eye on your inbox. A follow-up email will be sent detailing the outcomes of this meeting.

This will be a hybrid meeting, with both virtual and in-person attendance options available. Those planning to participate virtually are requested to visit CRgov.com/CouncilComments by 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 5, to provide written feedback, or to sign up to speak during the meeting by phone or web. Public comment may also be provided live in person and online during the meeting, which will be accessible virtually at CRgov.com/CouncilMeeting.

Questions? Email Council.

Connect with the Town on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Nextdoor or LinkedIn.