The underpass rendering illustration (above) is a close up of the area on the map (left) with the thick red line. The dashed red line indicates the new eight-mile phase of the East/West Regional Trail that is under construction. Below highlighted light orange rectangle shows a view of the area under construction.
By Patte Smith; maps provided by Douglas County Parks and Trails
The eight-mile and final phase of the East/West Regional Trail that will connect the City of Lone Tree to the Town of Parker is currently under construction. At this time, crews are working along North Surrey Road leading out of the Surrey Ridge neighborhood and along the east side of I-25 along the South Havana frontage road, so drivers be aware. Trucks and construction equipment will be pulling in and out of these areas. Douglas County Parks and Trails plans to notify residents if there are any scheduled closures or delays.
The East/West Regional Trail, a 28-mile off-street trail system, began in 2002 and will run from Redstone Community Park in Highlands Ranch to the Cherry Creek Regional Trail in Parker. The soft-surface trail is used for bicyclists, equestrians, hikers and dogs on-leash.
Surrey Ridge neighbors are enthused by this new section of the trail. “I'm really excited they are finally beginning construction on this! It is great for our recreational options,” stated one neighbor. Another concurred, “This is going to be a great addition to our neighborhood. Forget the electronic devices and game consoles – everyone can get out on the trail.”
Pedestrians, bikers and equestrians can enjoy rural landscapes, wildlife and scenic views, as well as open space, parks and natural areas along the trail route, which includes natural and hard surfaces. The route will also be a major component in a multi-entity vision of completing a continuous loop trail around the outer edges of the Denver metro area and part of a much larger statewide system that, in the future, could create a connection from the Denver metro area to Durango.
