U.S. 6, Edwards Spur Road intersection to switch over to roundabout Aug. 8

Overnight on Thursday, Aug. 8, Edwards Spur Road project crews will transition traffic at the U.S. 6 and Edwards Access Road intersection from the current four-way traffic signal configuration to the new functional roundabout. Beginning the morning of Aug. 9, the intersection will operate as a single-lane roundabout.

Throughout roundabout construction, crews have maintained vehicle and pedestrian traffic, as well as business access. The eight-week operation to convert the intersection into a roundabout was completed on schedule and ahead of the upcoming school year.

To facilitate the traffic transition, Edwards Access Road will be closed north of the intersection from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Aug. 8. During this closure, businesses and residences will remain accessible, but motorists may need to use the detour route to reach their destinations. Northbound and southbound through traffic on the Edwards Access Road will use Miller Ranch Road and U.S. Highway 6 as the detour. Motorists should expect delays through the project area during this time.

Once the new roundabout is open, crews will continue to work in the area to add curbs, gutters, truck aprons and sidewalks. The roundabout is anticipated to open to two lanes by the end of November.

Many design features of the Edwards Spur Road project support CDOT’s Whole System — Whole Safety systematic approach to traffic safety. Roundabouts have been proven safer and more efficient than traditional intersections and help reduce the number of serious crashes. Additionally, roundabouts are designed to improve safety for all road users, including pedestrians and bicycles. When fully complete, the new roundabout will feature high-visibility pedestrian crossings with refuge islands and flashing pedestrian crossing signs for increased safety.

The new roundabout will function in a similar fashion as the existing roundabouts in Edwards. Traffic will travel in a counterclockwise flow and vehicles entering the roundabout must yield to traffic already circulating. Traffic cones will guide motorists through the roundabout.

The pedestrian detours during roundabout construction will remain after the traffic switch. Detour signage will direct pedestrians through the intersection.

Remember: Slow for the Cone Zone
The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.
●     Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
●     Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
●     Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
●     Don’t change lanes unnecessarily.
●     Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
●     Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
●     Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
●     Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
●     Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
●     Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
●     Be patient!

Whole System. Whole Safety.
To heighten safety awareness, CDOT recently announced its Whole System — Whole Safety initiative. This project takes a systematic statewide approach to safety combining the benefits of CDOT’s programs that address driving behaviors, our built environment and the organization’s operations. The goal is to improve the safety of Colorado’s transportation network by reducing the rate and severity of crashes and improving the safety of all transportation modes. The program has one simple mission—to get everyone home safely.