Transportation infrastructure connects us, resources not making the grade

When you jump in your car, hop on your bike, or set out to walk to the grocery store, you’re immediately part of a system of roads, sidewalks, bridges and other assets that connect us to our world. In Arapahoe County, our Public Works and Development department is responsible for planning and maintaining these important assets—a job that becomes increasingly more difcult as the County experiences major growth and strained revenue sources.

is month we’re celebrating National Public Works Week, May 2127, to recognize the important role public works plays in connecting each of us and to thank people who work tirelessly to ensure our safety as we navigate one of the area’s largest multimodal transportation networks. We’re also taking the opportunity to talk with you about the frank realities of the County’s budget and its impact on our transportation system.

e County has an overall goal to protect our collective community by planning growth, maintaining infrastructure, and providing an organized multi-modal transportation system. Public Works and Development plays a signi cant role in achieving this goal. rough several divisions, the department plans the County’s vast multi-modal transportation network, manages and maintains 1,198 lane miles (370 centerline miles) of paved roads, about 220 miles of gravel roads, 43 bridges, nearly 14,000 signs, and a vast network of sidewalks, guardrails, tra c signals, and other transportation assets.

We’re also very proud of the de-