[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 134 (Thursday, July 14, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-17112]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: July 14, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
 

Environmental Impact Statement: Aurora, CO

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that a 
combined environmental impact/Section 4(f) evaluation will be prepared 
for a proposed project in Aurora, Colorado.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ronald A. Speral, Design/Environmental Coordinator, FHWA Colorado 
Division; 555 Zang Street, Room 250; Lakewood Colorado 80228; Telephone 
(303) 969-6730, extension 368.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the Colorado 
Department of Transportation (CDOT), the U.S. Army Corps Engineers, and 
the Regional Transportation District (RTD), will prepare draft and 
final environmental impact statements and draft and final Section 4(f) 
evaluations (for use of parkland) on a proposal to improve SH 83 
(Parker Road) in Aurora, Colorado. The City of Aurora and the Colorado 
Division of Parks and Recreation will be commenting agencies. The 
proposed improvement would involve upgrading the I-225/Parker Road 
interchange, widening Parker Road along the \3/4\ mile segment between 
Peoria Street and Hampden Avenue, and constructing new grade 
separations to replace the Parker Road Intersections at Vaughn Way and 
at Hampden Avenue. These improvements to Parker Road are considered 
necessary to relieve significant existing traffic congestion and safety 
problems.
    The alternatives to be considered in the EIS/4(f) evaluation 
include the following:
    (1) The No Build Alternative (taking no action)
    (2) Congestion Management Alternative. This alternative would 
consist of the implementation of several traditional and/or 
nontraditional congestion management strategies. The potential 
operational benefits of any combination of strategies would be 
considered. Only those combined strategies that are capable of meeting 
the project's mobility objectives (including a minimum peak hour Level 
of Service ``E'' for general traffic) will be analyzed for their 
environmental impacts.
    (3) Alternative 3 (as referenced in the Citizens' Advisory 
Committee Final Report and Recommendation to Aurora City Council, 
November 1992), described as follows:
    At I-225, a two-lane flyover ramp (Ramp G) would elevate from the 
right side of Parker Road and cross over it south of the existing 
interchange (toward Cherry Creek State Park). The ramp would cross over 
I-225 near RTD's Nine Mile park-n-Ride.
    An on-ramp from the intersection of Parker Road and Peoria Street 
to southbound I-225 would replace the existing on-ramp between the 
park-n-Ride and I-225.
    A loop ramp around the park-n-Ride would replace the signal on 
Parker Road that now serves the southbound I-225 to southeast--bound 
Parker Road movement.
    All other existing ramps would remain at grade, but would be 
relocated slightly to accommodate widening of Parker Road. The 
northbound I-225 off-ramp to northwest-bound Parker Road would provide 
for triple (one new) left turn lanes.
    South of I-225, Vaughn Way would be grade separated to pass beneath 
Parker Road. Two way access roads, providing right-in, right-out access 
to and from Parker Road, would replace the existing signalized 
intersection.
    At Hampden Avenue, a half (split) urban interchange would replace 
the existing intersection.
    All of the above improvements would eliminate three existing 
signals for through traffic movements along the \3/4\ mile segment of 
Parker Road.
    (4) Alternative 8 (as referenced in the November 1992 Report), 
would be identical to Alternative 3, with the exception of the 
alignment of Ramp G. The two-lane flyover ramp would cross over I-225 
near the north end of the I-225 structures over Parker Road.
    All build alternatives will include pedestrian and bicycle facility 
improvements. Operationally feasible congestion management strategies 
will be investigated in conjunction with the build alternatives and 
incorporated as appropriate.
    Seventeen public meetings have been held on the project since March 
31, 1992. An agency scoping meeting was held by CDOT with FHWA, the 
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Colorado Division of Parks and 
Recreation, RTD, and the City of Aurora on April 20, 1994. Letters 
describing the proposed action and soliciting comments will be sent to 
appropriate federal, state, and local agencies. ``Open house'' and/or 
informal meetings for the general public will be held during 
development of the draft EIS. A public hearing will be conducted during 
the public comment period for the draft EIS/4(f) evaluation. Public 
notice will be given of the time and place of future public meetings 
and for the hearing. The draft EIS/4(f) evaluation will be available 
for public and agency review during a 45-day comment period.
    To ensure that the full range of issues related to this proposed 
action are addressed and all significant issues identified, comments 
and suggestions are invited from all interested parties. Comments or 
questions concerning this proposed action and the draft EIS/4(f) 
evaluation should be directed to the FHWA at the address provided 
above.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, 
Highway Planning and Construction. The regulations implementing 
Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental consultation on 
Federal programs and activities apply to this program)

    Issued on: July 6, 1994.
Ronald A. Speral,
Design/Environmental Coordinator, Lakewood, Colorado.
[FR Doc. 94-17112 Filed 7-13-94; 8:45 am]
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