Friday, September 19, 2014

Expect some delays as project upgrades Breckenridge entrance

#Breckenridge, Colorado.

Summit Daily News

As the aspens transform from lime green to brilliant orange and gold on the mountains and hills above Breckenridge, a similar aesthetic transformation is ongoing on a stretch of State Highway 9 on the north end of town.
“At the encouragement of the public over the past few years, the Breckenridge Town Council recently approved a plan to improve the north end of town,” said Kim Dykstra-DiLallo, communications director for town of Breckenridge.
The project stretches from Valley Brook Road, past the 7-11 and on to the roundabout at the north end of Park and Main streets.
The two-phase project started last month and includes re-landscaping the roundabout and median leading up to it. Phase one includes removing all the existing landscape and installing a portion of the new features. When completed, the median and roundabout will feature color-stamped concrete, banner and hanging basket poles, electrical outlets, irrigation and stone wall work. The irrigation and electrical conduit has already been installed. The first phase is slated for completion sometime in late October. In the meantime, prepare for some minor delays and keep alert for road workers.
“We started construction in mid-August,” Dykstra-DiLallo said. “What we’re doing is continuing to make the north entrance more eye pleasing.”
Currently, one lane of traffic on State Highway 9 is closed in each direction between Valley Brook Road and County Road 450.
“Lane closures will be in place during construction hours for the duration of the project,” Dale Stein, assistant town engineer, reported to council.
“It does affect traffic, and it will continue to do so for about the next two months,” Dykstra-DiLallo said.
Drivers should expect minor delays as lane closures will continue throughout the project. Phase two will begin in the spring.
Columbine Hills Concrete, Inc., of Silverthorne, was contracted by the city to perform the upgrades. They are recycling most of the stuff they’ve ripped up. They’ve saved the flagstones, boulders, irrigation components and some shrubbery.
The rock wall from the roundabout will find new life in the new town park being developed on North Main Street. Town staff is still trying to find a name for the new park, which will be located near the intersection of North Main Street and Wellington Road.
The town has remained busy on various projects this summer. The Breckenridge Skate Park has been in the midst of an upgrade and the new arts district is slated for a soft opening Sept. 25 through 28.
Courtesy of the Summit Daily News.