Douglas County officials and community speakers used an event to mark progress on a long-running US 85 interchange project and outline the remaining timeline for ramp work.

At the gathering, Speaker 4 thanked residents for their patience during construction and noted the project began in late 2022. "To all of our citizens that navigated the construction traffic, thank you for your patience with this project," Speaker 4 said.

Speaker 5 described the project scale and schedule, saying the interchange "is a new gateway to all of Central Douglas County from 25" and that the work is "halfway through." On the remaining work, Speaker 5 said the team is "just waiting for good construction weather to finish off the actual on and off ramps on I-twenty 5, which should be, about the middle of next year." The speaker also highlighted safety goals, calling the project "an exciting step forward for mobility and safety in our community."

Speakers emphasized the project’s multimodal features and reduced hazards for people walking, biking and skating. "Imagine crossing US 85 with your friends and family in tow... That's a very dangerous intersection. Or at least it used to be," Speaker 4 said, urging residents to use the new trail. Speaker 5 added that new tunnel structures are "great for us bike riders."

Project scale was underscored by workforce figures: Speaker 5 said the effort involved "over 200 workers from equipment operators to laborers, carpenters, engineers." Residents and community partners also praised the work. "And we're really thankful for our public and private partners here today for making this happen," Speaker 3 said.

Officials linked the project to broader planning: Speaker 5 referenced the "2050 transportation plan," saying it is expected to be completed "by the December" and will serve as the primary planning document for the next 25 years.

Next steps: speakers said remaining ramp work is contingent on favorable weather; no formal vote or further administrative action was announced at the event.