Castle Rock is Moving Forward to the Future
Impressive infrastructure keeps residents mobile and out-of-towners rolling in.
Castle Rock’s infrastructure is already working wonders for residents, and big plans are in the works to make it one of the most mobility-forward communities in Colorado – and the country.
“We look at our community as having many types of infrastructure,” says Frank Gray, president and CEO of the Castle Rock Economic Development Council. “When we look at infrastructure in communities, we have to understand that having great infrastructure is what facilitates economic development.”
Improving infrastructure includes consistently reviewing how a community educates itself and what digital opportunities it can offer to prospective companies and residents.
“There’s also entrepreneurial infrastructure,” Gray says. “Can entrepreneurs thrive here to gather, incubate, discuss, find financing and make sure they have mentors in their field? We’re talking about all the types of infrastructure that Castle Rock has to have to be successful.”
Looking to the Future
Kevin Tilson, alliance director at Downtown Castle Rock, says leadership has been integral in strategizing what the community needs as it grows, especially considering it’s situated between two of Colorado’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas in Denver and Colorado Springs. “Any conversation about growth needs to have that as the context,” he says. “It’s important that if the homes are going to come and the space and entitlement are already out there, that we think about the infrastructure we have now and what the needs will be in the future. That goes beyond roads and mobility, although that’s a huge component.”
Tilson, who oversees Downtown Castle Rock specifically, says focusing on building infrastructure and partnering with the private sector as buildings are developed will help the community thrive regarding business, office, retail and entertainment accessibility.
A transportation plan now in place includes safe bicycle and pedestrian crossings, bike network integration and reconstruction of downtown alleys for more efficient mobility.
New Interchange in the Works
One of the region’s most significant infrastructure projects is the nearly $80 million Crystal Valley Interchange, which will link I-25 to Castle Rock and Douglas County. The project will limit traffic, offer easier interstate access, create pedestrian-friendly roundabouts and connect to new developments such as Dawsons Trails and Miller’s Landing.
Castle Rock Public Works Director Dan Sailer says the interchange project is in progress but in a pre-construction phase, making its way through approval processes, hoping that construction will begin in 2023.
“We have a blueprint for all the improvements we need to support the town as it reaches its full buildout,” he says. “This particular project will help achieve projected growth. It’s necessary to add some additional capacity as the town continues to grow as well as improve our existing systems.”
Sailer also mentions the improvements planned for downtown mobility as the central area continues to evolve, established in collaboration with input from local businesses and the public.
These projects, plus an $8 million Plum Creek Parkway widening, are set to improve virtually every aspect of the Castle Rock area’s transportation, mobility and accessibility to keep its community moving and make it easier for future residents and companies.
At the end of the day, Sailer says the goal is for transportation to be “efficient and safe for all modes of travel.”
If you’d like to learn more about the Castle Rock area, check out the latest edition of Livability: Castle Rock, CO.