Project Description: Improvements included construction of a grade-separated single point urban interchange. Entrance and exit ramps were provided from Austin Bluffs, intersecting with Union at a single signalized intersection. Union was widened at the intersection to allow double left-turn lanes and right-turn lanes for traffic operations. Three through lanes in each direction were continued on Union.

The completed Austin Bluffs Interchange

Total estimated project cost: $35.7 million
2005 = $7,511,000
2006 = $15,000,000
2007 = $12,993,000

Project schedule:
Construction - January 2007 to November 2008

History: CH2M Hill was selected as the final design/construction management consultant. The PPRTA Board approved the consultant contract for final design/construction services for the Austin Bluffs Interchange at Union Boulevard project at its May 2005 meeting. Neighborhood meetings were held on August 31, 2005 and September 1, 2005. A project open house was held with the public on October 4, 2005. A construction contract with Lawrence Construction was approved by the PPRTA board on December 13, 2006. Construction began in January 2007 and a kick-off open house was held on January 29, 2007. The Austin Bluffs Parkway overpass opened to vehicle traffic on September 11, 2008. A project completion was held on November 8, 2008.

This project received two engineering awards in 2009.  The American Public Works Association - Colorado Chapter presented a public works project award for Street and Traffic Engineering/Operation/Maintenance for a large community.

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Colorado (ACEC/CO) presented the project with an Engineering Award of Excellence.

Project Managers:
Scott Asher, CH2M Hill
Mike Chaves, City Engineering Division 719-385-5408
Clyde Pikkaraine, City PPRTA
Bill Rumler, Lawrence Construction Co.
Rochelle Reeder, Lawrence Construction Co.(PRACO)