The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will lower the speed limit on CO Highway 16 (Mesa Ridge Parkway) from Interstate 25 to the intersection of CO 21 and Mesa Ridge Parkway in Fountain. The new speed limit, which takes effect August 4, will reduce the maximum allowable speed from 55 miles per hour to 45 miles per hour along this corridor.
According to CDOT, increased commercial and residential development has led to higher traffic volumes on this section of highway. After analyzing traffic patterns, the department concluded that a lower speed limit would improve safety for all users.
“Lowering the speed limit on this busy section of highway will enhance safety conditions for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists,” said CDOT Regional Transportation Director Shane Ferguson. “Lowering the speed limit in urban areas is an effective countermeasure to reduce speeds and improve safety for all road users.”
CDOT recommends several safety practices for pedestrians, such as using sidewalks where available, crossing at crosswalks or intersections, staying alert when crossing streets, and wearing light colors at night. Cyclists are encouraged to ride with traffic, obey traffic laws, use hand signals, and never ride while impaired. Drivers are reminded to look out for pedestrians and cyclists at all times—especially near schools, parks, shopping areas, and transit stops—to follow posted speed limits, stop before crosswalks, never drive impaired, and slow down when approaching crosswalks.
A map provided by CDOT shows the affected area on CO Highway 16 in Fountain where the speed reduction will be implemented starting August 4.
