US 24, Steele Drive and County Road 319 Intersection
Project title: 2024 US24, Baylor and DePaul Intersection Improvement
Project purpose or justification:
The proposed new public crossing at Steele Drive/HWY 24 is a high priority for both Chaffee County and the Town of Buena Vista to improve emergency services and traffic concerns. Chaffee County Fire and Chaffee County EMS are both located on Antero Circle and response time is greatly increased because of the location and difficulty in accessing the HWY on Steele Drive/ County Road 319. The hospital is also located near this location on CR 317, the access to which is also very difficult, especially in emergency situations.
Project objectives:
Define project scope
Establish conceptual goals
Identify stakeholder priorities
Outline required data, resources, and regulatory needs
Set project milestones and timeline
Determine next steps and key action items
Anticipated Deliverables:
CDOT intersection design
Union Pacific Railroad crossing design
Traffic signal design (if warranted)
Final railroad crossing layout
Project scope:
Project deliverable:
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife/ Department of Corrections Easement
- CDOT Intersection Design
- UP Railroad Crossing Design
- Intersection Signal (if required)
- Railroad Crossing
Project stakeholders:
- Union Pacific
- Colorado Department of Transportation
- Colorado Public Utilities Commission
- Town of Buena Vista
- Chaffee County Fire
- Chaffee County EMS
Project timeline:
- Project Conception and Initiation Meeting Kick-off (February 4, 2025)
- Project On-Site Visit (September 11, 2025)
Estimated Total Project Cost: $1.2 million
Funding Source:
CDOT – Placeholder funds allocated in the 2027 TRP budget.
Chaffee County – Partial contribution toward roadwork and emergency service improvements.
Town of Buena Vista – Local funds for project management and construction.
Railroad Costs:
