Douglas County commissioners to consider $15.25 million for Happy Canyon interchange
The proposed contribution would cover up to $15.25 million of Castle Pines’ estimated $42 million project, with payments tied to construction milestones.
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Douglas County commissioners are scheduled to consider Nov. 3 a proposed agreement to contribute up to $15.25 million toward Castle Pines’ estimated $42 million rebuild and expansion of the Happy Canyon Road interchange at Interstate 25. County staff recommends approval.
The project would be built in two packages. The first would add a bridge north of the existing Happy Canyon Road bridge. The second would replace the existing bridge and modify interchange ramps and intersections. The proposed agreement also includes traffic signals, barriers and drainage work.
Under the proposal, the County would pay $8.25 million after the agreement is executed and Castle Pines awards a construction contract, then $7 million within 60 days after the second package’s contract award. The County’s construction contribution would be capped at $15.25 million. Castle Pines would lead construction and cover project costs above the $42 million estimate. The city would manage maintenance, with eligible long-term costs shared equally by the city and County; those costs are separate from the construction contribution.
A separate contribution of about $11.27 million from the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Bridge and Tunnel Enterprise was planned, a September memo from the department said. The memo said the related agreement was still being finalized and payment depended on the department issuing an access permit and completing a bill of sale transferring the existing bridge to Castle Pines.