Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Please clarify the rationale behind this project?
A. The existing US85 corridor from Happy Canyon Road to the intersection with I-25 has historically been characterized as a rural arterial. This generally means that there is little development and higher speeds can be maintained. From now and into the future, the same section will be characterized as a low speed urban arterial. This type of facility will see increased signalization, curb & gutter, and a posted speed of no greater than 45 MPH. To this end, there are plans for signals at Happy Canyon, Castlegate or Atrium, Justice Way, Possibly at Industrial Way, and likely at the new Castleton Court connection. All of this signalization is planned in the no-build scenario with the exception of the Castleton Court connection. The character of this community and of the corridor are changing. This project is the result of this change in character.

Q. What about large trucks?
A. 18 wheelers do indeed travel this corridor. This fact is not overlooked in the proposed design. Turning radii will accommodate those types of turning movements and the additional laneage on Meadows will allow for the increased volumes that will be using Meadows.

Q. Does it make sense to send traffic along Meadows rather than leaving them on Santa Fe?
A. The concept of redirection of traffic to the I-25 corridor was evaluated in both this project and in the overall EIS analysis. The traffic models do indicate a slight increase in travel time for the northbound I-25 to US85 movement, but overall, the travel time analysis is considered a "wash". Therefore, the issue of use of one corridor over another is really driven more by the origin/destination analysis; travelers will initially experience some confusion simply because of the newness of the alignment but this will normalize once drivers become aware of the minimal travel time difference.

Q. Isn't the existing interchange working just fine?
A. The actual accident data does show that there is a problem here. This is by no means the only basis for this project. It is simply one additional factor.

Q. Isn't this simply the elimination of a valid north south route?
A. Concern about the elimination of a north south route is noted. Our feeling on this, however, is that this project will have a the following primary impacts:

1. There is still a highly functional connection of the two facilities.
2. Local traffic is taken off the interstate; locals routinely use I-25 as a connector to get to Wolfensberger.
3. The relocation of the operation to the Meadows / Founders Interchange is consistent with the future planning efforts that are evaluating the feasibility of taking Founders Parkway on to the state system - a direct connection to SH 86.