To those of you that signed the petition, created videos, added comments, told your family, friends and neighbors...THANK YOU SO MUCH your efforts and impact made a difference and the county responded!!
I have some EXCITING news for you...
According to Bryan Weimer, Director of Arapahoe Public Works and Development Department letter dated July 11, 2025, "the project is no longer under consideration. When the County updates the current 2040 Transportation Master Plan, the Belleview Avenue extension over E-470 will be removed. Furthermore, the Belleview right-of-way will remain in place to allow for possible pedestrian/bicycle access over E-470 which will allow for access to the High Plains trail along E-470 and the County Fairgrounds further east."
Below is the full letter from Bryan Weimer:
RE: C22-012 Tempe Roundabout Response to Petition on Tempe Street Roundabout and Belleview Avenue Extension Projects
Dear Residents,
Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns regarding the proposed Tempe Street Roundabout and the previously considered Belleview Avenue Extension. Arapahoe County is committed to ensuring that all community voices are heard and carefully considered as part of our planning and infrastructure decision-making processes.
We have reviewed the petition (attached) that was presented to the Board of County Commissioner at their General Business meeting on June 10, 2025, and respectfully provide the following responses:
1. Project Purpose and Justification
Tempe Street Roundabout
Tempe Street was evaluated as part of the Versailles Parkway Corridor Study. A single-lane roundabout was determined to be the most appropriate solution to improve traffic operations, calm vehicular speeds, enhance pedestrian and vehicular safety, and address deteriorating pavement, drainage, and ADA accessibility issues. This solution meets current and projected traffic volumes through 2040 and supports safer, more efficient movement for all users of the corridor. The project website is as follows for more information.
https://www.arapahoeco.gov/your_county/county_departments/public_works_and_development/divisions/transportation_division/transportation_planning_and_studies/tempe_street_roundabout_project.php
Belleview Avenue Extension
The proposed Belleview Avenue extension from Tempe Street over E-470 to Gun Club Road has been removed from the County’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) following community outreach in 2023–2024, where overwhelming opposition was received. This project is no longer under consideration. When the County updates the current 2040 Transportation Master Plan, the Belleview Avenue extension over E-470 will be removed. Furthermore, the Belleview right-of-way will remain in place to allow forpossible pedestrian/bicycle access over E-470 which will allow for access to the High Plains trail along E-470 and the County Fairgrounds further east.
2. Concerns about Increased Traffic and Roundabout Familiarity
The proposed single-lane roundabout is designed using current AASHTO standards and is considered one of the safest types of intersections due to its ability to reduce conflict points, control speeds, and improve traffic flow. Multi-leg or multi-lane roundabouts can create confusion; however, the proposed design is single-lane for ease of navigation.
Nearby roundabouts at Copperleaf Blvd/Tibet St. and Copperleaf Blvd/Tempe St. have demonstrated relatively low crash frequencies over a 10-year period. Additionally, crash analysis conducted by CDOT indicated 18 crashes in the existing curve on Tempe Street, which supported the need for a safety-focused improvement. The County successfully obtained a $500,000 grant through the State of Colorado Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) to assist with funding of this project.
Alternative traffic calming measures (e.g., speed bumps, speed cushions, rumble strips) were evaluated but did not meet long-term safety, operational, or federal funding eligibility criteria. The roundabout was selected after considering all options during public engagement events.
3. Historical Crash Data and Unreported Incidents
While some accidents may go unreported, official crash data along the corridor supported the need for improvements. A roundabout design inherently slows traffic and reduces the likelihood and severity of crashes, particularly single-vehicle loss-of-control incidents common in sharp curved roadway segments.
4. Impact on Saddle Rock Ridge Playground
The playground and park amenities in Saddle Rock Ridge are not adversely impacted by the roundabout. Sidewalk access is maintained, and no additional traffic has been redirected toward the park as a result of this project. In fact, the roundabout will reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety for pedestrians and park users in the area.
5. High Plains Trail Safety
The project preserves all bicycle and pedestrian connections across Tempe Street and does not encroach upon or modify the High Plains Trail. Pedestrian safety was a core criterion in the intersection design process, and trail crossings remain accessible and protected within the roundabout’s layout.
6. Concerns About Property Values and Noise
The land along the Belleview Avenue corridor was previously dedicated to the County for future roadway infrastructure as part of the development process and is not designated open space. However, because the Belleview Extension project has been removed from the CIP, no construction or activity is planned that would introduce new vehicular traffic or noise to the area.
7. Wildlife Displacement
No construction will occur along the Belleview Avenue alignment for extension of a roadway, and therefore, no impact on wildlife habitat will result. The Tempe Roundabout project does not extend into undeveloped or natural open space.
8. Accuracy of Traffic Study Data
The Tempe Street corridor was specifically analyzed in the intersection traffic study. Section 5.0 of the study includes detailed data on traffic volumes, crash rates, pedestrian activity, and future growth projections along Tempe Street, not just Versailles Parkway. The study informed the intersection alternatives analysis and final recommendation.
9. Community Engagement and Transparency
We understand the concern regarding how public feedback is incorporated. The County conducted multiple engagement efforts, including public meetings, open forums, and postings on the County’s website. As a direct result of community input, the Belleview Extension was removed from the Capital Improvement Plan.
The Tempe Roundabout project has proceeded based on objective safety, operational, and engineering analysis, and significant community outreach. While feedback was mixed and was primarily due to the concern of extend Belleview Avenue over E-470 to Gun Club Road – now removed, the Tempe Roundabout Project addresses clear safety deficiencies and is supported by federal funding specifically awarded to mitigate documented crash concerns.
Therefore, in summary:
• The Belleview Avenue Extension project from Tempe Street over E-470 and connecting to Gun Club Road has been canceled and is no longer planned.The Tempe Street Roundabout was selected as the safest and most effective solution after robust technical analysis and public engagement.
• The Tempe Street Roundabout improves pedestrian safety, reduces vehicular speed, and replaces deteriorating infrastructure in the corridor.
• The roundabout is designed to integrate safely with nearby trails, parks, and neighborhoods while preserving quality of life.
We appreciate your commitment to and advocating for your community. Please do not hesitate to contact the Public Works and Development Department with further questions or for additional information.
Sincerely,
Bryan D. Weimer, Director
Public Works and Development Department
Arapahoe County
cc: Board of County Commissioners
James Katzer, Division Manager – Transportation Division
Ryan Seacrest, CIP Manager – Transportation Division
James Beall, Engineering II – Transportation Division
Gary Salazer, Communication Department
File C22-12
If you would like to receive a copy of the official letter, please email me directly at laurenmilam5@gmail.com.