If you have ever gotten stuck on the south side of I-76 on Pecos Street and been blocked from going south due to trains, which happens most hours of the day, you will appreciate the news below:

From the Adams County government web site:

Adams County has issued a request for proposals to award a contract for the Pecos Street Grade Separation Project. This $43 million project will grade separate Pecos Street from the Union Pacific and Burlington Northern railroad tracks south of I-76.

"This project is one of the Board of Commissioners highest priorities," said board chairman Larry W. Pace. "We listened to the business and residents' concerns about trains blocking Pecos Street for hours, and we responded. Additionally, this project has brought together partners to address a regional issue and is a key transfer station for RTD's FasTracks project."

The project will provide regional commuter and freight movement improvements and eliminate current safety hazards related to trains blocking Pecos Street for inordinate amounts of time. Grade separating Pecos Street from the railroad tracks will improve connections between three major roadways: I-70, I-76 and U.S. 36, and is a key portion of RTD's proposed FasTracks Vision Plan, benefiting the proposed Northwest Rail Line and the proposed Gold Line. The bridge will allow a joint cross station platform at the future Pecos Junction Station.

Funding for this project includes almost $20 million in federal dollars, including $10 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds. To qualify for ARRA funding for this project, the county worked closely with state and federal partners to meet certain deadlines. Union Pacific Railroad has committed $14.4 million to the project. The balance of the project will be funded primarily by Adams County road and bridge funds.