CDOT announces decision for SH 9 Iron Springs alignment project

March 13, 2015 - Northwestern Colorado/CDOT Region 3 - SUMMIT COUNTY - The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have issued a Finding of No Significant Impact for the SH 9 Iron Springs Alignment Project.

Here are some of the highlights of the project:

  • A 1.3-mile stretch of SH 9, just south of Frisco, will be realigned, rather than widened on the existing alignment.

  • A four-lane highway will be constructed through this stretch, complementing recent SH 9 projects which have provided four lanes south to Breckenridge.

  • The project will shorten SH 9 by approximately 0.4 mile.

  • The project will improve safety by eliminating an unsafe curve on SH 9, which contributes to accidents.

  • Improved water quality protection by realigning SH 9 away from Dillon Reservoir.

BIKEWAY AND RECREATION IMPROVEMENTS: The project will realign a portion of the existing Blue River Bikeway, by moving it to the existing SH 9 alignment. The realigned bikeway will be approximately 0.4 mile longer than the existing one but will be at a much gentler grade than the current alignment. In addition, the existing US Forest Service Dickey Day Use Parking Lot will be moved west to a new parking lot, allowing for safer access via an existing signalized intersection at SH 9 and Recreation Way. A new trail connection will provide connectivity between the new parking lot and realigned bikeway, as well as maintain the existing shoreline access.

CDOT and FHWA sought input and worked cooperatively with a wide range of agencies and stakeholders including the US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Summit County, Town of Frisco, Continental Divide Land Trust, Denver Water, and others. Prior to this decision, CDOT and FHWA prepared an Environmental Assessment, held a public hearing, and reviewed public comments. The Finding of No Significant Impact includes responses to comments received during the Environmental Assessment public comment period, including those received at the public hearing.

The project is now advancing to final design and implementation. Construction funding has been identified through CDOT’s Responsible Acceleration of Maintenance and Partnerships (RAMP) Program. The project is currently anticipated to be built during the 2016 and 2017 construction seasons. For further information and project updates, visit the project website at www.coloradodot.info/projects/hwy9f2b.