Project Hotline: 720.513.2895
Project Email: [email protected]

Project Construction

To receive weekly updates on the project, email [email protected] and we will add you to the list.

Construction of the Parker/Quincy/Smoky Hill Intersection Improvement Project began in February and will continue through December 2026, with additional time as needed to ensure the project's success.

The new intersection improvements will reduce congestion, improve traffic flow, and increase pedestrian safety in this area. This project is designed to improve safety for pedestrians and the traveling public.

Construction activity will start at 7:30 a.m. and end at 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, with lane closures from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Please visit this webpage for weekly updates, including traffic impacts. Detour maps also will be posted when major traffic impacts are anticipated.

Project Update

Current Progress

• Concrete Work: Approximately 90% complete, with the majority of sidewalks, curb and gutter, curb ramps, driveways, and concrete pavement improvements installed.
• Storm Sewer Improvements: Approximately 50% complete; installation of pipe, manholes and inlets continues in the remaining areas.
• Retaining Walls: Approximately 80% complete; remaining work consists of final sections, drainage features and restoration.
• Asphalt Work: Paving operations have begun in select areas. Paving will continue as underground utilities and concrete work are completed, followed by final surface paving and tie-ins.

Upcoming Work

The next major phase will focus on installing new traffic signal infrastructure. Crews will begin drilling and constructing caisson foundations for the new signal poles and mast arms. Additional work will include:

• Completion of remaining storm sewer and retaining wall installations.
• Continued asphalt paving and roadway restoration.
• Installation of traffic signal poles, mast arms and equipment.
• Final pavement markings, signage, landscaping and project closeout.

The project continues to advance on schedule. As construction enters its final stages, efforts will focus on completing infrastructure improvements, roadway paving, and traffic signal upgrades.

Upcoming Travel Impacts
Monday, June 29, to Thursday, July 2

• Southbound right lane closure on Parker Road just south of Quincy and continuing to just south of Rice Place.
• Westbound right lane closure on Quincy Avenue from Atchinson Way to Parker Road 24/7.
• Eastbound right lane closure on Quincy Avenue from Parker Road to Smoky Hill Road.
• Work will be completed by noon Thursday, July 2, ahead of the holiday weekend.

Work Location Schedule

Dates listed below are approximate and subject to change:

Planned Improvements

The various closures are required for crews to complete the following improvements:

• Adding turn lanes to the East Quincy Avenue intersections with South Parker Road and reconfiguring Smoky Hill Road at East Quincy Avenue to better serve the large volume of peak-hour traffic traveling north and south via South Parker Road and Smoky Hill Road.
• Creating new sidewalk connections along the west side of South Parker Road and widening sidewalks along the east side of South Parker Road and the north side of East Quincy Avenue to make travel safer and easier for people walking and bicycling to Cherry Creek State Park.
• Improving pedestrian crossings of intersections and shifting the crosswalk across South Parker Road to the north side of the East Quincy Avenue intersection to reduce conflicts with turning vehicles.
• Adding “Do Not Block” pavement markings at the Atchison Way and Rice Place intersections to protect resident and business access.
• Prohibiting left turns out of Rice Place onto southbound Parker Road to address safety concerns.

Project Background

Environmental Study and Design Overview

The city of Aurora intends to construct operational improvements within and around the intersection of Parker Road and Quincy Avenue through the Quincy Avenue and Smoky Hill Road intersection and surrounding areas. A 2016 study identified the improvements as a means to reduce congestion and improve operational performance and safety in the project area. In early 2020, the city began the next step toward constructing the improvements, including a study to obtain environmental clearance and preparation of preliminary (30%) design plans. Final design began in early 2022 and was completed in late 2024.

The environmental study process was conducted according to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) guidance to obtain the level of clearance reserved for projects with the least anticipated impacts to environmental and community resources). This study included investigation of impacts and recommendations for necessary mitigation of impacts to environmental resources such as parks and trails, wetlands, threatened and endangered species, noise, hazardous materials, and historic resources. The environmental investigation is complete and full environmental clearance has been obtained.

Coordination is occurring with other agencies including Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Arapahoe County, Cherry Creek State Park, and Cherry Creek Basin Water Quality Authority. 

Project Milestones

Dates listed below are approximate and subject to change:

• Existing Conditions (environmental and utilities): Completed in mid-2020
• Preliminary (30%) Design Plans Submittal: Completed in mid-2021
• Environmental Documentation: Early 2022
• Right-of-way and Easement Coordination with Impacted Properties: Late 2022 through 2024
• Final Environmental Clearance: Late 2024
• Final Design: Spring 2025
• Construction Begins: Early 2026
• Expected Construction Completion: December 2026

Project Funding

The city secured full funding for environmental study, design and construction of the planned operational improvements using city funds and federal funding administered by CDOT and the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG).

Contact the Project Team

The city of Aurora values concerns and comments of residents and businesses in the area. The 2016 study included extensive public involvement which shaped the plan for improvements.

Please contact the project team using the information below for any questions or concerns regarding project construction or to receive weekly updates by email.

Project Contact

Project hotline: 720.513.2895 | Sign up for updates or email questions: [email protected]