Arapahoe County updates road safety-action plan, schedules public outreach

Public works staff told the board they are updating Arapahoe County's local road safety plan to include seven additional years of crash data, post-pandemic traffic pattern changes and new safety emphasis areas.

Steven Buckley, transportation engineer, said the county contracted Atkins in October to analyze crash records for unincorporated areas, identify high-injury corridors and recommend prioritized projects ranging from low-cost signal timing or striping changes to larger capital projects. Buckley noted some previously identified projects have already been completed and said the plan will be used to pursue grant opportunities such as Safe Streets for All and FHWA programs.

Staff described steps to improve collaboration and data-sharing with the Colorado State Patrol and the sheriff's office to reduce lag in crash reporting (Buckley said public crash datasets in common tools are currently current through 2023). Public engagement will include an interactive map on the county website (going live the next day) and two in-person meetings planned for January–February to collect resident input. Staff said they expect a board study session in February or March to review draft recommendations and will return in May seeking formal adoption of the plan.