In early 2005, construction began on the long-waited traffic light at the intersection of Yorkshire and Castle Pines Parkway, and the first months of 2006 will bring about its completion. 

Residents’ inquiries into the project began when the median on Yorkshire Drive at the Royal Hill entrance was removed and HOA1 relocated the trees from the median. 

Alex Larson, Principal Traffic Engineer at Douglas County Public Works, has been overseeing the project since its inception.   “Progress may have appeared slow because most of the work was being done below ground,” said Larson.  “The good news is that all the below-ground work is now finished and we are ready to move forward.” 

Included in the work already completed is the installation of a 6,ooo foot conduit running under ground from Lagae to Yorkshire to Monarch.  A concrete shortage in the state of Colorado was initially thought to be a concern for delay, but the four, 10-foot concrete caissons have been poured and are awaiting pole installation.  Custom poles were required for the project, which resulted in additional delays of up to 14 weeks delivery time.

Larson estimates that once started, the aboveground portion of construction will take approximately four weeks.  The cabinet and controller are due to be installed the week of January 15th, and the poles will hopefully be up and running by late February.  The new traffic signal will feature video detection to trigger the left turn lane as well as a countdown timer for safer pedestrian traffic.

Road closures are not expected to impact residents because one lane of traffic will be open at all times.  The only expected delay will occur when the mast arm is raised into place (sometime within the next 30 days), at which time all traffic will be stopped for a duration of about five minutes.  “Public safety is our primary concern,” said Larson, “and preventing cars from travelling below the arm is the best way to ensure that happens.”

For more information about the traffic signal, contact Alex Larson at 303-660-7490 or e-mail pubwrks@douglas.co.us.