The objectives are used as the basis for developing the evaluation criteria. The criteria are the tools used to evaluate numerous alternatives and to develop the
Long-Term Vision . The Long-Term Vision will then be refined based on the detailed environmental process.

Other Studies

Several sections of the South I-25 Corridor and US 85 Corridor Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) are summaries of technical memorandums and reports prepared by members of the study team. The technical reports are based on the conceptual design of the alternatives presented in the DEIS. New reports will be completed once the Selected Alternative has been developed. The Technical Reports Volume includes reports for the following resources:

• Socioeconomics
• Recreation
• Air Quality
• Water Quality and Floodplains
• Ecology
• Wetlands
• Geology
• Wildlife
• Threatened and Endangered Species
• Historic/Cultural Resources
• Archeology
• Paleontology
• Prime and Unique Farmlands
• Visual Character

Several reports have been released as separate, stand-alone documents. These reports discuss the following:

• Alternative Evaluation
• Traffic Analysis
• Future Transportation Demand
• Traffic Noise Analysis
• Hazardous Waste
• Environmental Surveying
• Commuter Rail

The following studies were completed separate of the DEIS and are summarized below:

• Railroad Relocation Study
• South I-25 Corridor Interchange Study
• Draft US 85 Access Management Plan

Railroad Relocation Study - The Railroad Relocation Study was completed in July 1999. The purpose of this study was to explore the options and feasibility of relocating a portion or all of the eastern most rail line in order to combine and/or eliminate at-grade crossings through the towns of Louviers, Sedalia, and Castle Rock. The Union Pacific (UP) Railroad and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad both cross over US 85 on the north end near C-470. The railroads parallel US 85 until north of Castle Rock where the UP crosses over I-25 and continues through the Town of Castle Rock to Larkspur where it crosses back over I-25 and parallels I-25 with the BNSF. The UP also passes through the towns of Louviers and Sedalia. Nine alternatives were evaluated for cost and number of at-grade crossings eliminated. The alternatives analyzed are listed below: (PLEASE NOTE: Alternatives 1, 2, 3, and 5 would eliminate the need for the bridge over the BNSF, near US 85, as planned in the Titan road grade separation project.) The Railroad Relocation Study is being analyzed in further detail by Douglas County and the Town of Castle Rock.

South I-25 Corridor Interchange Study - The South I-25 Corridor Interchange Study was completed in January 2000. The purpose of the study was to recommend improvements to existing interchanges along I-25 from Lincoln Avenue Interchange to the South Lake Gulch Road Interchange in Larkspur. Each interchange along the I-25 Corridor was evaluated based upon a variety of factors to determine how each interchange operated under existing, as well as future conditions. Initial screening criteria for each interchange was based upon five factors: future need, cost, performance (level of service), local access, and safety. Further analysis was performed to determine how well each interchange worked with the corridor as a whole. The results of the study conclude that the I-25 alternatives evaluated are feasible plans. These alternatives provide adequate capacity through the year 2020 and necessary local access, increase overall safety, and have comparable construction costs; therefore, the interchange study alternatives are recommended to accommodate future needs. The recommendations from the interchange study were incorporated in the DEIS.

Draft US 85 Access Management Plan - The Draft US 85 Access Management Plan was completed in June 2000. The access management plan evaluates existing and new access points along US 85. The purpose of this plan is to improve traffic flow and safety, reduce traffic conflicts, and provide appropriate access to adjacent land uses. The US 85 Access Management Plan is intended to provide guidance for agency review and decisions regarding access permit applications along US 85. The accesses shown in this draft plan are reflected in Alternative B of the DEIS. A final access management plan will be developed for the FEIS, reflecting the Selected Alternative.

Scheduled Study Completion

The Draft EIS was released in July 2000, the Final EIS was released in May 2001, and the Record of Decision (ROD) was signed August 14, 2001, and has since been released.