WCR 5 Update and Fact Check

To clear up any questions about the road work happening at WCR 5 near Erie High School and Soaring Heights Elementary School, we have pulled together some background information on the project.

At this point, this phase of the work on WCR 5 is scheduled to be completed by early next week and the traffic control removed. This is contingent upon weather and any unforeseen site conditions.

The work on this stretch of road was originally scheduled to be completed prior to the beginning of the new school year. Unfortunately, flash flooding in late July affected the timing of this project and nearly all other road construction projects in Erie, as well as the Town’s existing facilities. The Town experienced rain upwards of 4 inches in Town in a very short period, flash flooding was problematic throughout the region and caused impacts to numerous projects.

Additionally, previously unknown underground utilities were discovered during the road project which caused more delay to work around the utilities and adjust the design of the project. The work being performed right now is considered “critical path,” which means this work needs to be completed in order to move to the next stage. The only other option available to the Town would have been to stall the work until the second week of school, but this would have incurred significant daily costs from the contractor. Though a delay of work may have been less frustrating for our students and parents, it was not a fiscally responsible option for the use of taxpayer dollars.

Background
This work being performed is part of the WCR 5 Improvements Project. This project will widen WCR 5, extend turn lanes on WCR 5 (where possible), add bike lanes along both sides of WCR 5, extend sidewalks along WCR 5, and add a traffic signal at WCR 5 and Flora View (north entrance to Soaring Heights Elementary School). This project is planned to help facilitate better traffic flow and create a safer pedestrian and bicyclist environment.

Please check www.erieco.gov/ConeZones for updated information on all road projects in Erie.

Safety and Traffic Flow
For the first two weeks of school, Erie PD assigns Patrol Officers and/or Command Officers at every St. Vrain Valley School in our Town as well as at Aspen Ridge and Meadowlark (Boulder Valley School District). Assigned officers are at their assigned post 15 minutes before school starts and 15 minutes prior to the afternoon dismissal. Unless an emergency call for service is received, each officer stays at their assigned school until the bulk of traffic disperses.

In addition to the officers monitoring traffic flow, EPD also has School Resource Officers (SROs) at Erie High School, Soaring Heights Elementary School, and Erie Middle School. The EPD’s two Traffic Team members have been assisting near EHS and Soaring Heights as well. Everyone available at the EPD is pitching in to help manage the influx of traffic while also managing the increased calls for service. Please be aware of your surroundings and abide by any instructions given by officers on site.