The new interchange at C-470 and Alameda opened ahead of schedule on June 26, 2008.

The full movement interchange establishes an important transportation element in the area by providing an alternate access route to the US 6/Union/Simms and C-470/Morrison interchanges, which currently serve the Lakewood area, particularly Green Mountain.

Contemplated since the inception of C-470, the Alameda Interchange finally came to fruition last year through the collaboration of Jefferson County, City of Lakewood, Town of Morrison, Colorado Department of Transportation and the Green Tree Metropolitan District. Jefferson County loaned $6 million and the City of Lakewood loaned $3 million so the interchange construction could move forward.

The interchange not only provides a solution to traffic, it serves as a seed for economic development. Having a transportation network that is efficient and effective and contributes to the local economy by attracting primary jobs is a goal of the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners. The direct access to C-470 and nearby I-70 will make it attractive to corporations to relocate in this area of Jefferson County.

In Jeffco, for every one dollar of taxes homeowners pay, businesses pay three dollars. This revenue enables the county to maintain the transportation system and provide law enforcement and other services. It also brings in the major share of revenue to operate Jeffco Schools.

The Environmental Assessment (EA) was completed in 1999 with a Finding of No Significant Impact. The EA findings included a recommendation to partially close Alameda Avenue west of C-470 (over the Hogback), assisting the preservation of Dinosaur Ridge paleontological elements and increasing safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. This decision was made jointly by Jefferson County, the City of Lakewood and CDOT, and was validated through the EA process. Dinosaur Ridge, which has been designated as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service, will remain accessible for visitors. The restricted access with the partial closure will allow access for emergency vehicles and provide a safe environment for pedestrians and bicyclists to view the fossils on Dinosaur Ridge.

The new C-470/Alameda interchange also provides access between C-470 and the north end of the Rooney Valley.

The Rooney Valley lies on both sides of C-470 along the Dakota Hogback south of I-70 to Morrison Road and includes land in unincorporated Jefferson County, the City of Lakewood and the Town of Morrison.