Improved Infrastructure Brings Relief to Busy Arapahoe County Corridor
After more than a year of construction, residents and commuters in a high-traffic area of Arapahoe County near Interstate 25 are experiencing much-needed relief. Two recently completed infrastructure projects, which cost nearly $12 million, are part of a larger initiative to enhance the area around the I-25 and Dry Creek Road interchange, as well as Inverness Drive. These improvements aim to address increasing traffic congestion and improve safety in a region that is expected to see more development and travel in the coming years.
Paul Laboda, a local resident living near the interchange, shared his perspective on the challenges of navigating the area before the upgrades. He described the previous situation as overwhelming due to the volume of vehicles passing through. “It just looked like it was too tight an area for the amount of cars going through it,” he said. The new projects have made a noticeable difference for him and others in the community.
To reduce traffic bottlenecks, crews extended the right lane on Dry Creek Road to Inverness Drive East and added a new right-turn lane at Inverness Drive West. These changes have made it easier for residents to access their homes without competing with heavy traffic flow. “It makes it easier for us to pull into this area where we live, because we’re not competing with traffic coming across all the time,” Laboda explained.
Arapahoe County Commissioner Jessica Campbell emphasized the importance of addressing community concerns about transportation options beyond cars. She noted that residents are increasingly interested in biking, walking, and using e-bikes or scooters. “It’s not just all about cars anymore,” she said. To support these alternative modes of transportation, the second project introduced six-foot-wide bike lanes along Inverness Drive West and installed three roundabouts to slow traffic and enhance safety.
David Worley, president and CEO of Denver South, a group focused on transportation along the I-25 South corridor, praised the improvements. He called the project “a great project” and highlighted the benefits of dedicated bike lanes, which increase rider safety. “The future is really about the first and last mile for riders. Getting from a light rail station to your office or to your home is the big challenge, and this really helps with that,” he said.
Laboda has already noticed the positive impact of the changes. “I like the improvements. The roundabouts — they slow people down a little bit,” he said. His experience reflects the broader sentiment among residents who appreciate the efforts to make the area more accessible and safer for all users.
These projects are part of ongoing efforts to enhance mobility in and around the Denver metro area. By focusing on sustainable and multi-modal transportation solutions, officials are working to create a more efficient and inclusive transportation network that meets the needs of growing communities. As development continues, these improvements will play a crucial role in supporting the region’s future growth and connectivity.
