I-225 Planning and Environmental Linkages Study from Yosemite Street to I-25

Study complete

About the Study

CDOT is conducting a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study to improve conditions along Interstate 225 (I-225) from Yosemite Street to I-25 in Denver. As highway construction ends in the summer of 2014 for I-225 to the north to provide three travel lanes in each direction from I-70 to DTC Boulevard, one segment of southbound I-225 from DTC Boulevard to I-25 will continue to be two lanes adding pressure to current congestion.   The I-225 PEL study is important to effectively address these traffic demands while funding to construct the improvements is identified. The study will evaluate the existing and future operating conditions of the highway, while making recommendations to address congestion along the corridor. This study will also assess existing physical, social, and environmental conditions and recommend a range of improvements to this segment of I-225. The environmental analysis part of the PEL study will evaluate the impacts of the potential alternatives to assist in selecting the right solution for I-225 within the project area.

A Technical Working Group, composed of staff from the local communities and agencies such as Arapahoe County, the City of Aurora, the City and County of Denver, the City of Greenwood Village, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Denver Regional Council of Governments and Regional Transportation District will provide critical input to CDOT throughout the study and at key milestones in the process.  We have also involved the Goldsmith Metropolitan District, Madre Metropolitan District, and South I-25 Urban Corridor Transportation Management Association as important stakeholders in the area.

The key elements of this study are to:

  • Identify improvements for the corridor to relieve the bottleneck while minimizing potential impacts to mainline I-225, I-25, and the interchanges at DTC Boulevard and Yosemite Street.
  • Complete the study in accordance with the FHWA PEL process. This will include:
    • Public outreach
    • Direct involvement with local governments and special interest groups within the study area
    • Coordination with State and Federal resource agencies
    • Documentation of the study process, findings and recommendations will be to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) standards so information developed in this study can be used in a future NEPA process
  • Identify existing and future congestion problem areas in the corridor
  • Estimate costs of improvements
  • Recommend a set of phased improvements to:
    • Reduce congestion on southbound I-225 from Yosemite Street to I-25

What is Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL)?

PEL represents an approach to transportation decision-making that considers environmental, community, and economic goals early in the planning stage and carries them through project development, design, and construction.  This can lead to a seamless decision-making process that minimizes duplication of effort, promotes efficient and cost-effective solutions and environmental stewardship, and reduces delays in project implementation.

For more information on the CDOT PEL program, click here.

For additional information, check out FHWA’s website, click here.

Public Involvement Plan

The purpose of this Public Involvement Plan is to define the outreach activities and means to coordinate with stakeholders and the public during the I-225 Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study. Public outreach for the project will be a joint effort between the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Felsburg Holt & Ullevig (FHU).  CDOT will provide multiple opportunities for the cities, counties, regional partners, and the general public to engage during the study.  The outreach plan includes the following:

Meet Regularly with a Technical Working Group: The Technical Working Group (TWG) will meet monthly with CDOT to provide technical input as the PEL study progresses.   The TWG will include staff from the area communities, local, state and federal government agencies, and other regional stakeholders.  The members of the TWG will keep their respective elected officials updated and will serve as the primary connection with their communities and organizations.

Public Outreach: The general public will be actively engaged, ensuring meaningful input on the project.

  • Two interactive public meetings will be held - one at the beginning of the process to educate the public on the PEL process, to collect input on the need for the project, and answer questions through a telephone town hall meeting call-in format, and - one later for the public to provide input on the recommended alternative(s) in an open-house format.
  • A mailing list is being developed as a way to inform the community about the project and notify them about the public meetings.  
  • We also plan to conduct small group meetings as requested to address concerns and receive input about the project from local residents and/or area businesses.

Meet with Resource Agencies: We anticipate holding a meeting with the resource agencies in May to review the project and obtain input.  The agencies involved may include:

  • Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
  • Colorado State Historic Preservation Officer
  • US Army Corps of Engineers
  • Regional Transportation District
  • Denver Regional Council of Governments
  • Federal Highway Administration
  • Urban Drainage and Flood Control District
  • Environmental Protection Agency