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Twin Mesa district to own vacated road segments and install gates after county approval
Summary
Douglas County approved limited road vacations of Twin Oaks Road and Clark Circle in the Twin Oak subdivision and accepted associated hammerhead turnaround easements so the Twin Mesa Metropolitan District can install emergency-access gates to reduce through‑traffic from nearby regional development.
Douglas County commissioners on Sept. 23 approved vacating portions of Twin Oaks Road and Clark Circle rights-of-way in the Twin Oaks subdivision and accepted three right-of-way and three slope/drainage easements to accommodate required hammerhead turnarounds. The actions enable the Twin Mesa Metropolitan District to install access-control gates for emergency vehicle access and neighborhood traffic control.
Why it matters: Residents said regional buildout — including a new I‑25 interchange and decades of nearby development — will increase cut‑through traffic on narrow, rural roads. The Twin Mesa district and neighbors say gates and turnarounds will preserve the rural character, reduce safety and nuisance traffic, and provide clear emergency access. The board approved the road vacations and easement acceptance after the Planning Commission recommended approval.
Key details and conditions: Staff and the applicant presented a surveyed vacation exhibit and conceptual turnaround exhibits. The board's conditions require acceptance of the turnaround easements prior to action on the road vacation resolution; construction of the turnarounds to county standards and public‑works acceptance prior to gate installation; and approval of gate locations by the Castle Rock and Jackson 105 fire districts. The vacation resolution will include continued easements for public access and maintenance as described in staff materials.
Public outreach and vote: The district held a voter election in 2024 in which approximately 78% of participating rural residents supported the gate measure. Several residents testified in favor of the vacations at the hearing; county staff and planning commission recommended approval. The Board approved both the road vacations and the acceptance of the three turnaround easements unanimously.
Implementation: The district will record the necessary easements and construct hammerheads to county standards; fire districts must approve gate locations and the county will execute an intergovernmental agreement for maintenance. The board's action allows the district to install keypad/RF‑tag gates, solar lighting and signage indicating limited access; emergency services and delivery access will be accommodated.
Ending: The approvals aim to limit regional cut‑through traffic on rural roads while preserving emergency access; the county will check turnaround construction and public‑safety approvals before gates go live.
