A small community southwest of Denver is moving ahead with plans to restrict vehicle access to some of its residential streets. This decision follows mounting concerns over heavy traffic and road safety. The Bow Mar Board of Trustees unanimously approved working with an engineering firm to install entrance gates. They are pushing forward despite objections from neighboring Denver and Littleton regarding potential disruptions to public roadways.
According to local officials, Bow Mar has a population of approximately 950 residents. However, a recent town traffic study revealed that roughly 1,200 vehicles pass through the municipality on a daily basis. Local authorities noted that the vast majority of these drivers do not live in the community, creating significant safety risks for children, retirees, and older residents walking along local roads.
Details of the Bow Mar Traffic Mitigation Plan
The approved proposal outlines controlled-access gates at two of Bow Mar’s three main entrances. Additionally, the plan calls for the permanent closure of a smaller entrance located near Tufts Avenue. Town officials indicate that the first gate could be installed as early as Thanksgiving, with full operations expected to begin by mid-January.
Operational specifics are still being finalized. Town officials stated that they have not yet determined whether the gates will remain operational around the clock or stay open during peak morning and evening rush hours. Those logistics remain under active discussion as the town prepares to assess the initial project’s impact before considering any additional installations.
Neighboring Concerns and Opposition
While Bow Mar residents and leaders view the infrastructure project as a necessary measure to protect neighborhood safety, the decision has drawn criticism from municipal partners. Both Denver and Littleton officials voiced objections, arguing that restricting through-traffic on Bow Mar streets will displace vehicles and create congestion on surrounding regional public roads.
Despite pushback from neighboring cities, Bow Mar’s leadership remains committed to the phased rollout. Town leaders plan to closely monitor traffic patterns and overall community safety once the initial gates are activated, using that operational data to guide future infrastructure and traffic management decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Bow Mar installing gates?
Bow Mar is installing controlled-access gates to curb heavy cut-through traffic. A local traffic study found that about 1,200 vehicles pass through the town daily, with most drivers not residing there, posing safety risks to residents.
How many vehicles pass through Bow Mar daily?
Approximately 1,200 vehicles travel through the town daily, significantly outpacing the local population of about 950 residents.
When will the traffic gates be installed?
The town anticipates that the first gate could be installed as early as Thanksgiving, with operations expected to begin in mid-January.
Which entrances will be affected?
The plan involves placing controlled-access gates at two of Bow Mar’s three main entrances and closing a smaller entrance near Tufts Avenue.
What do neighboring cities think of the plan?
Both Denver and Littleton have raised objections to the project, citing concerns that restricting Bow Mar’s streets will push traffic onto neighboring public roads and increase congestion.
