US 50 & CO 231 Intersection Improvements Study
About the Project
Pueblo County —The Colorado Department of Transportation has been evaluating intersection improvements at both US 50 and CO 231 (36th Lane) and at US 50 Business and CO 231 (36th Lane) in Pueblo, Colorado. The purpose of the evaluation was to improve safety by increasing sight distance and reducing crossing distance to allow for safe motorist crossing of US 50 and to improve overall pedestrian and motorist safety near schools on US 50 Business and CO 231 (36th Lane).
The project team held an in-person open house on March 7, 2023 to allow stakeholders to see the proposed improvements being made to both intersections, talk to the project team, and ask questions. If you were unable to attend the in-person open house, you can review the Open House Presentation Boards here. You can also provide your input electronically through one of our digital surveys. The project team will be collecting input through March 21, 2023.
Existing Intersections
The following improvements have already been initiated while awaiting the intersection study result:
- Reduced speed limit approaching the intersection on US 50 Business and CO 231 (36th Lane)
- Repositioned existing signage to improve sight distance at both intersections
- Advanced guide signs were relocated ¼ mile before the US 50 & CO 231 (36th Lane) intersection
- Updated and replaced pedestrian signs at US 50 Business & CO 231 (36th Lane) and added a rapid flashing beacon sign to alert motorists of pedestrians
Based on this study and at the recommendations of the engineers, the new improvements will not include a signal. The following improvements will be made to enhance safety at both intersections:
US 50 & CO 231 (36th Lane) Improvements
- Moving the eastbound right turn lane on US 50 further south into the shoulder by grading to adjust the eastbound approach right turn deceleration lane
- Installation of an intersection conflict warning system on US 50 and on CO 231 (36th Lane)
- The system recognizes approaching traffic and illuminates the warning signs alerting motorists of approaching vehicles to the intersection on both US 50 and on CO 231 (36th Lane)
- Moving the stop line of CO 231 (36th Lane) at US 50 up to the eastbound lane of travel so the right turn lane will not impact the view of motorists trying to cross the intersection. This will also reduce the crossing distance for northbound left-turning vehicles
- Installation of raised islands that allow the stop line and motorist to be moved up to improves sight distance when crossing the intersection
US 50 Business & CO 231 (36th Lane) Improvements
- Moving the stop line of CO 231 (36th Lane) at US 50 Business up to the travel lanes of US 50 Business to reduce the crossing distance for northbound and southbound left turning vehicles
- Installation of raised islands that allow the stop line and motorist to be moved up to improves sight distance when crossing the intersection
The study of both intersections is now complete, and the design of improvements is underway. The study included:
- Analysis of the intersection against Federal and State guidelines included in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) criteria for signal warrants
- Analysis of the safety performance of the intersection
- Analysis of the operational performance of the intersection
- Cost-effective countermeasures to address identified problems
- Provide guidance on how to reduce severe crash occurrences
This traffic study looked at two separate buckets of information:
Operational Considerations
- The volume of traffic during peak periods and nonpeak periods
- Geometry of the intersections
- Placement of signage and types of signage
- Speed limits in the affected area
- Existing roadway pavement marking
Safety Considerations
- Crash-type data
- Directions of travel
- Road conditions
- Time of day
- Behavioral attributes of driver
Why a traffic signal is not the right fit for these intersections
- After an extensive study was completed at each intersection, the engineer’s recommendations include the intersection improvements listed above instead of installing a signal
- In the study, the safety of these intersections did not warrant a signal installation. Of the many warrants for a signal, only one was met at US 50 and that was for the operations of the signal. This showed the intersection could benefit from reduced wait times at the intersection if a signal was installed.
- A signal can help reduce the number of angled collisions at an intersection but can increase other types of crashes. Specifically rear-end collisions are increased when installing a signal. In this instance, a signal at this intersection likely would cause an overall deterioration in safety at the intersection
- Traffic engineers do a risk-benefit analysis as part of determining whether to install a traffic signal. They weigh both the advantages and disadvantages of traffic signals, and at this intersection it was determined that a signal would decrease the overall safety of the intersection
- Check back soon for more information on an in-person and virtual open house to answer questions you may have about the new improvements
