Smart Commute Spring '14 Newsletter

Spring 2014 Quarterly Newsletter from Smart Commute Metro North

Quarterly Newsletter:
April 2014

Smart Commute Partners with CDOT to Help Relieve Congestion during North I-25 Express Lanes Project

Smart Commute Metro North and CDOT have partnered to develop and implement a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program to aid commuters during the North I-25 Express Lanes Project.

The TDM program provides unique commuter tools including a customized ridesharing program and a smart phone application that will alert commuters in real-time to construction related traffic congestion. Smart Commute will direct information and TDM outreach to North I-25 commuters through various partner networks.

Paul DesRocher has been hired to serve as TDM Manger for this project. Says DesRocher, “There is so much opportunity for commuters in the North I-25 corridor to improve their commutes. It’s my job to connect commuters to those opportunities and encourage mobility choices that reduce congestion and work best for that commuter’s needs.

When completed in the fall of 2015, the North I-25 Express Lanes Project will expand the capacity of I-25 by adding one HOV/tolled Express Lane in each direction through the six-mile segment of I-25 between US 36 and 120th Avenue. In addition, the project will resurface the existing lanes along this six-mile stretch.

“Maintaining the mobility of commuters during construction projects is extremely important to CDOT,” said Andy Stratton, CDOT Region 1 project manager. “We believe Smart Commute’s program will enhance traffic efficiency and safety while this much needed improvement project for I-25 is underway.”

DesRocher can be reached at 720-515-8674 or paul@smartcommutemetronorth.org for questions or visit www.smartcommutemetronorth.org for further information. Program updates can also be found on our social media accounts – Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter!

Smart Commute member Icenogle-Seaver-Pogue P.C steps up to the plate to offer a pair of Colorado Rockies tickets to one lucky survey taker!

Get Social with Smart Commute!

A Special Thanks to Our New Partners

David Evans and Associates
Stantec
Graham
D&C Home Solutions

WE’VE GOT A TICKET TO RIDE!

And with that as the theme, our long anticipated North Metro Rail Line project broke ground at the site of the Eastlake Station on March 20, amidst cheers from the robust crowd of 300 people that included elected officials, staff and residents of Commerce City, Thornton, Northglenn, Adams County and surrounding jurisdictions. As part of FasTracks, and expected to open in 2018, our new commuter rail service will provide an important commuting option for area residents and employees.

At Left: Thornton Mayor Heidi Williams At Right: ACED CEO Barry Gore, Adams County Commissioners Eva Henry and Chaz Tedesco

RTD Director and Smart Commute Metro North Board Member Larry Hoy emceed the event which included notable speakers Gov. John Hickenlooper and Congressman Ed Perlmutter. "I'm proud to be here today to mark this great milestone for not only the northern communities, but the entire region”, Hoy told the crowd.

North Area Transportation Alliance (NATA) Chair, and Chair of Smart Commute Metro North, Adams County Commissioner Erik Hansen acknowledged the collaborative effort of this project, “the North Metro Rail Line is a product of the vision and determination from a long line of staff and officials whose commitment to the North Metro area is finally coming to reality.“

Smart Commute Metro North congratulates the North Area Transportation Alliance whose number one priority for 2013 was support for the funding and construction of the North Metro Rail Line. Kudos also go to former RTD Director Kathy Williams, former RTD Director Barry Gore and current RTD Directors Larry Hoy and Paul Solano, representing the north metro area on the RTD Board, for their stellar effort bringing this project forward.

RTD contractor Regional Rail Partners (RRP) will design and build the first 12.5-mile phase of the electrified commuter rail line from Denver Union Station to Eastlake/124th Avenue.

The final 6 miles to 162nd Avenue/Colorado Highway 7 will be built as funds become available. Once completed, the line will run from downtown Denver through north Denver, Commerce City, Thornton and Northglenn to northern Adams County.

To keep up with the latest progress of the North Metro Rail Line project, visit http://www.rtd-fastracks.com/nm_2

Save the Date – Bike to Work Day June 25!

Smart Commute Metro North is gearing up for Colorado’s annual Bike to Work Day June 25. There will be lots of great activities throughout the metro Denver region coordinated by the Denver Region Council of Governments.

Last year, Smart Commute generated a buzz as it hosted the first ever “Bike Home” station at the Orchard Town Center in Westminster. Look for a bigger and better event there this year as our station becomes a real family event!

We continue to support Adams County’s breakfast station at the confluence of the Platte and Clear Creek. Last year this breakfast station location got over 350 cyclists between 6:00 and 9:00 A.M. It’s a major cycling thoroughfare between Denver and the north on Bike to Work Day!

This year Smart Commute plans to partner with RTD to provide a breakfast station at the Thornton southbound Park n Ride location. We’ll provide more detailed information in early June.

Check in with Smart Commute to learn about our 2014 stations and don’t forget to visit www.biketoworkday2014.org to register yourself to participate today!