SPEED ZONE SURVEY:LARIMER COUNTY ROAD 74E DATE: MARCH 21, 2017 AUTHOR: JACOB STEIN AND BILL GLEIFORST I. Location County Road Number: Larimer County Road 74E (CR 74E/Red Feather Lakes Road) Starting and Ending Locations: Dowdy Lake Road (CR 67A) to McNay Hill/Deer Meadow Way Segments By Milepoints: Segment A: 1.578 to 7.917 Segment B: 7.917 to 13.804
II. General Remarks Larimer County Road 74E is currently posted with a speed limit of 40 MPH from milepoint 6.650 to 8.866, and a speed limit of 45 MPH from milepoints 1.578 to 6.650 and from 8.866 to 13.804. The section of roadway is being studied to determine if the speed limit should be raised on any sections of the roadway.
Over the past several
years the county has received several
complaints that the speed limit is too slow and several requests to raise the speed limit on portions of CR 74E west of McNey Hill. Some residents remarked that some portions of the roadway are a “speed trap”. County staff including members of the Public Works Division have also commented that they feel the speed limit is too low on portions of the road closer to Red Feather Lakes and in the Glacier View Meadows area.
III. Prevailing Vehicle Speeds Table 1 shows the eastbound and westbound 85th percentile speeds for CR 74E and the 2016 average daily traffic. Table 1: Speed Data for CR 74E Location
Vehicles per Day
E/B 85th Percentile Speed (MPH)
W/B 85th Percentile Speed (MPH)
Current Posted Speed (MPH)
600 feet north/west of Phantom Ranch Road
1650
52
52
45
0.11 miles west of Lady Moon Drive
1680
52
57
45
0.28 miles east of CR 68C/Boy Scout Road
1950
51
51
40
0.19 miles east of Iron Mountain Drive
2080
61
60
45
Approx. 400 feet east of Green Mountain Road
2285
57
58
45
Approx. 300 feet east of Mount Simon Drive
2620
61
58
45
IV. Physical Features
Figure 1: Segments for Speed Study on CR 74E
Design or Existing Speed Limit: The design speed limit for CR 74E is unknown. Currently, the section of roadway being studied isposted with a speed limit of 40 MPH from milepoint 6.650 to 8.866, and a speed limit of 45 MPH from milepoints 1.578 to 6.650 and from 8.866 to 13.804. Measurable Physical Features: The section of CR 74E being studied stretches from the intersection with CR 67A/Dowdy Lake Road at the west end and the intersection with Deer Meadow Way, at the peak of McNay Hill, at the east end. This section is approximately 12.226 miles in length. The
average measured width of the road varies over this section; from milepoint 1.578 to milepoint 7.917 the average measured width is 24 feet, from milepoint 7.917 to 12.364 the average measured width is 33 feet, and from milepoint 12.364 to 13.804, the average measured width is 25 feet. In segment A, from CR 67A/Dowdy Lake Road to CR 68C/Boy Scout Road, there are12 residential accesses, 2 multi-residential accesses, 10 field accesses, 1 commercial access (at the Red Feather Transfer Station), 6 ranch accesses, 9 intersections, 1 access to a campground, 2 accesses to Colorado State Wildlife/National Forest parking areas, and 2 accesses to hiking trailhead parking areas. In segment B, from CR 68C/Boy Scout Road to Deer Meadow Way, there are 6 residential accesses, 2 multi-residential accesses, 7 field accesses, 1 business access, 4 ranch accesses, and 16 intersections. Roadway Surface and Characteristics: The surface of CR 74E is a chip seal over asphalt concrete, in fair condition. Where there is a paved shoulder present, the chip seal only covers the lanes of travel, with the shoulder being only asphalt concrete. A significant amount of bleeding is observable as well as a large amount of longitudinal/transverse cracking. There is also alligator cracking evident in smaller sections of the roadway, as well as lane/shoulder drop off. These distresses do not significantly impact ride quality, which is good over the full section of roadway being studied. Given the surface type and location, roads such as CR 74E are susceptible to other distresses over their lifetime as well, including rutting and raveling, which are likely present currently on the roadway, but cannot be observed without closer inspection. Vertical Alignment Information: Along this section of CR 74E, there are multiple hills located along the entire length of the roadway included in this study. Horizontal Alignment Information: On CR 74E between CR 67A/Dowdy Lake Road and Deer Meadow Way, there are 21 significant horizontal alignment features. Ball bank indicator tests were performed on each curve to determine the safe speed at which these curves can be navigated. For this study, the curves have been numbered sequentially from west to east as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3. Results from the ball bank tests are shown in Table 2 below.
Figure 2: Segment A Curves
Figure 3: Segment B Curve
Table2: Ball Bank Test Results for CR 74E Curve Advisory Speeds Curve Number
Segment
Milepoint
Posted
Existing
Existing
Speed
Advisory
Advisory
(MPH)
Speed
Signage
1
A
1.833
45
35
2
A
2.170
45
40
3
A
2.483
45
35
4
A
4.419
45
40
5
A
4.661
45
40
6
A
5.107
45
-
7
A
5.753
45
8
A
5.980
9
A
10
Curve Warning Curve Warning Curve Warning Reverse Curve Left Reverse Curve Left
Ball Bank Safe Speed
Recommended Speed
(MPH)
(MPH)
Eastbound Westbound Eastbound Westbound 40
45
40
45
45
45
35
35
45
50
45
45
45
-
50
50
50
-
-
>55
>55
50
45
-
-
55
55
50
7.305
40
-
-
55
55
45
A
7.420
40
-
-
55
55
45
11
A
7.675
40
-
-
45
50
45
45
12
A
7.768
40
-
-
50
45
45
45
13
B
8.121
40
-
45
>50
45
45
14
B
8.380
40
-
45
45
45
15
B
8.646
40
-
>50
>50
45
16
B
8.752
40
-
40
40
40
17
B
10.388
45
-
>55
>55
55
18
B
11.848
45
45
45
45
45
19
B
12.455
45
-
50
45
20
B
13.253
45
-
-
50
50
21
B
13.794
45
-
-
50
45
Curve Warning Curve Warning Curve Warning Curve Warning Curve Warning Curve Warning
45
50
50
45 50
50
45
V. Test Run Information Test Run Information for Test runs were performed on this roadway at 5 MPH increments from 40 MPH to 55 MPH utilizing Dodge Dakota pickup trucks (unit no. 8482 and 8485). Segment A: CR 67A to CR 68C
40 MPH – This speed felt a little slow over most of the roadway. It was comfortable for some of the horizontal curves, but was definitely hard to hold on most of the curves and the straight portions of the road.
45 MPH – this speed was better – felt very comfortable on some of the horizontal curves. Still felt slow on many curves and on the straight portions of the road. The road surface is in good enough condition that not many distresses are felt at this speed.
50 MPH – speed was comfortable on the straight portions of the road and many of the horizontal curves. Surface condition again not a factor in how the vehicle handled. Some slowing was required at a few of the horizontal curves particularly the curve by Parvin Lake. This speed felt a little fast on the vertical curves near the Spring Meadow Way intersection.
55 MPH – comfortable on the straight portions of the road, frequent slowing required for vertical curves due to reduced sight distance and on many horizontal curves. This speed felt particularly fast near the Parvin Lake area and near the CR 68C intersection.
Segment B: CR 68C to Deer Meadow Way 40 MPH – This speed was slow and hard to hold for the entire section. It felt especially slow at the west end of the section. Frequent braking needed to maintain speed especially in the eastbound direction. 45 MPH – A little better, but still felt slow over the entire section. Some braking needed to maintain speed. 50 MPH – This speed was much better over the whole section, but still a little slow on the west end. Some slowing needed at a couple of the horizontal curves. There was some natural slowing near the Mount Moriah Rd and Eiger Rd intersections. Surface condition was not a factor in how the vehicle handled.
55 MPH – This speed felt comfortable over most of the section. It seemed a little fast approaching some of the intersections including the Deer Mountain, Eiger Rd, Mount Moriah Rd and Mount Harvard Rd intersections. Slowing was required at some of the horizontal curves. Surface condition was not a factor in how the vehicle handled.
VI. Accident Experience Data contained in the Larimer County accident file shows the occurrence of 26 accidents on CR 74E from 1/1/2010 to 7/1/2016 (the last 6.5 years). A brief description of each accident can be found in the following: 1. Milepoint 4.600, CR 74E at milepost 20, Property Damage Only, April 4, 2011: Road conditions were icy and daylight. A single vehicle accident; Vehicle #1 was eastbound on CR 74E when the driver lost control and began to spin around a slight right hand curve. Vehicle #1 traveled off the left side of the roadway and went airborne, then landing on several large rocks before coming to final rest in approximately six inches of water/mud. Vehicle #1 was estimated to be traveling 35 MPH at the time of the accident. 2. Milepoint 12.326, CR 74E 0.3 miles west of Eiger Road, Property Damage Only, May 10, 2011: Road conditions were dry and dawn/dusk. A single vehicle accident; Vehicle #1 was westbound on CR 74E at a high rate of speed and drove off the left side of the road. Vehicle #1 traveled down a slight embankment and collided with a rock. Vehicle #1 drove back onto the roadway and pulled to the shoulder. The driver of Vehicle #1 fled the scene on foot and was not located. Vehicle #1 was estimated to be traveling 100 MPH at the time of accident. 3. Milepoint 8.529, CR 74E 15.6 miles west of US 287, Injury, August 9, 2011: Road conditions were dry and dawn/dusk. A single vehicle accident; Vehicle #1, a motorcycle, was eastbound on CR 74E when the front of the vehicle collided with a deer in the roadway. Vehicle #1 skidded before overturning onto its left side. Vehicle #1 was estimated to be traveling 50 MPH at the time of the accident.
4. Milepoint 2.480, CR 74E at Phantom Ranch Road, Property Damage Only, September 2, 2011: Road conditions were dry and daylight. A two vehicle accident; Vehicle #2 was westbound on CR 74E, attempting to pass another westbound vehicle, while Vehicle #1 was oncoming eastbound on CR 74E. Vehicle #1 was forced onto the side of the roadway to avoid a collision. Vehicle #1 then turned around and traveled westbound to catch Vehicle #2. Vehicle #2 turned onto southbound Phantom Ranch Road and came to a stop. Vehicle #1 attempted to turn onto southbound Phantom Ranch Road, but skidded across the roadway and its right front contacted the front left of Vehicle #2. The driver of Vehicle #1 was cited for careless driving. Vehicle #1 was estimated to be traveling 40 MPH and Vehicle #2 was parked at the time of the accident. 5. Milepoint18.326, CR 74E 0.1 miles east of milepost 6, Property Damage Only, October 14, 2011: Road conditions were dry and dark (unlighted). A single vehicle accident; Vehicle #1 was westbound on CR 74E when it collided with a cow in the roadway. Vehicle #1 was estimated to be traveling 55 MPH at the time of the accident. 6. Milepoint 8.730, CR 74E 0.1 miles west of Lizard Head Mountain Drive, Property Damage Only, November 15, 2012: Road conditions were dry and dark (unlighted). A single vehicle accident; Vehicle #1 was westbound on CR 74E when the driver became distracted by the car heater. Vehicle #1 ran off the left side of the roadway, colliding with a wood pole fence with its front, and a large rock with its left side before coming to rest. The driver of Vehicle #1 was cited for careless driving. Vehicle #1 was estimated to be traveling 45 MPH at the time of the accident. 7. Milepoint 8.652, CR 74E at N Rim Road, Property Damage Only, December 8, 2012: Road conditions were icy and daylight. A single vehicle accident; Vehicle #1 was eastbound on CR 74E when it encountered other vehicles out of their proper lanes and blocking all lanes of travel on CR 74E. Vehicle #1 ran off the left side of the road in order to avoid a collision, where Vehicle #1 struck an embankment with its front left and a barbed wire fence with its front. Vehicle #1 was estimated to be traveling 25 MPH at the time of the accident.
8. Milepoint 8.107, CR 74E 1003 feet east of CR 68C (Boy Scout Road/Log Cabin Road), Property Damage Only, January 17, 2013: Road conditions were dry and dark (unlighted). A single vehicle accident; Vehicle #1 was eastbound on CR 74E when it failed to negotiate a right hand curve in the road and traveled off the right side of the road. Vehicle #1 traveled down a steep embankment and collided with a barbed wire fence. The driver of Vehicle #1 was cited for careless driving. Vehicle #1 was estimated to be traveling 40 MPH at the time of the accident. 9. Milepoint 12.163, CR 74E at Mount Moriah Road, Property Damage Only, January 24, 2013: Road conditions were dry and daylight. A two vehicle accident; Vehicle #1 was northbound on Mount Moriah Road at the intersection with CR 74E while Vehicle #2 was westbound on CR 74E. Vehicle #1 entered the intersection while Vehicle #2 was approaching. Vehicle #1 impacted Vehicle #2 with its front in the left side. The driver of Vehicle #1 was cited for careless driving. Vehicle #1 was estimated to be traveling 5 MPH and Vehicle #2 was estimated to be traveling 35 MPH at the time of the accident. 10. Milepoint 4.518, CR 74E 205 feet west of milepost 20, Property Damage Only, March 16, 2013: Road conditions were dry and daylight. A single vehicle accident; Vehicle #1 was westbound on CR 74E when it drove off the right side of the road. Vehicle #1 then collided with a boulder, two trees, and another large boulder at which point Vehicle #1 rolled one half time before coming to rest on its roof. The driver of Vehicle #1 was cited for careless driving. Vehicle #1 was estimated to be traveling 45 MPH at the time of the accident. 11. Milepoint 10.372, CR 74E 13.6 miles west of US 287, Injury, September 30, 2013: Road conditions were dry and daylight. A single vehicle accident; Vehicle #1 was eastbound on CR 74E when it failed to negotiate a left hand curve, drifting off the right side of the roadway. Vehicle #1 corrected back onto the roadway, fishtailing and skidding before traveling off the left side of the roadway. Vehicle #1 then rolled one half time before coming to final rest on its roof. The driver of Vehicle #1 was cited for careless driving causing bodily injury. Vehicle #1 was estimated to be traveling 45 MPH at the time of the accident.
12. Milepoint 11.969, CR 74E 0.2 miles west of Mount Moriah Road, Property Damage Only, October 29, 2013: Road conditions were icy and dark (unlighted). A single vehicle accident; Vehicle #1 was westbound on CR 74E when it drove into the eastbound lane of CR 74E. Vehicle #1 then corrected to the westbound lane, but continued across the roadway and drove off the north side, colliding with a fence and sliding down an embankment before coming to final rest. Vehicle #1 was estimated to be traveling 60 MPH at the time of the accident. 13. Milepoint 11.563, CR 74E 22 feet east of Mount Harvard Road, Property Damage Only, December 2, 2013: Road conditions were dry and dark (unlighted). A single vehicle accident; Vehicle #1 was westbound on CR 74E when it collided with a cow in the roadway. Vehicle #1 was estimated to be traveling 40 MPH at the time of the accident. 14. Milepoint 4.683, CR 74E 162 feet east of milepost 20, Property Damage Only, January 2, 2014: Road conditions were snowy and daylight. A single vehicle accident; Vehicle #1 was eastbound on CR 74E when the driver lost control on the snow packed roadway. Vehicle #1 traveled off the right side of the roadway, where it collided with a phone box, a phone pole, and a wire fence. Vehicle #1 traveled down the wire fence, rotating before coming to final rest. The driver of Vehicle #1 was cited for careless driving. Vehicle #1 was estimated to be traveling 35 MPH at the time of the accident. 15. Milepoint 11.210, CR 74E 0.28 miles east of Bald Mountain Drive, Property Damage Only, June 2, 2014: Road conditions were dry and dark (unlighted). A single vehicle accident; Vehicle #1 was eastbound on CR 74E when it collided with a deer in the lane of travel. Vehicle #1 then skidded before traveling off the south side of the roadway before coming to final rest. The driver of Vehicle #1 left the scene prior to arrival of law enforcement. Vehicle #1 was estimated to be traveling 40 MPH at the time of the accident.
16. Milepoint 11.963, CR 74E 0.2 miles west of Mount Moriah Road, Property Damage Only, October 11, 2014: Road conditions were dry and daylight. A single vehicle accident; Vehicle #1 was eastbound on CR 74E when the driver lost control and traveled off the left side of the roadway, colliding with a guard rail. Vehicle #1 began to rotate, colliding again with the guard rail. Vehicle #1 continued rotating down the guard rail, before rotating one and a half times and coming to final rest, partially in the westbound shoulder and partially in the westbound lane of travel. The driver of Vehicle #1 was cited for careless driving. Vehicle #1 was estimated to be traveling 45 MPH at the time of the accident. 17. Milepoint 6.497, CR 74E 0.1 miles west of milepost 18, Property Damage Only, February 11, 2015: Road conditions were dry and dark (unlighted). A single vehicle accident; Vehicle #1 was westbound on CR 74E when it collided with an elk in the roadway. Vehicle #1 was estimated to be traveling 45 MPH at the time of the accident. 18. Milepoint 13.719, CR 74E 0.6 miles west of milepost 10, Property Damage Only, February 20, 2015: Road conditions were icy and daylight. A single vehicle accident; Vehicle #1 was eastbound on CR 74E during a snow/sleet storm when the driver lost control. Vehicle #1 rotated before traveling off the right side of the roadway. Vehicle #1 collided with a fence and a tree before coming to final rest. Vehicle #1 was estimated to be traveling 35 MPH at the time of the accident. 19. Milepoint 7.355, CR 74E 0.1 miles west of Spring Meadow Way, Property Damage Only, March 24, 2015: Road conditions were dry and dark (unlighted). A single vehicle accident; Vehicle #1 was eastbound on CR 74E when it collided with an elk in the roadway. Vehicle #1 came to a controlled stop on the roadway. The driver of Vehicle #1 left the scene prior to arrival of law enforcement. Vehicle #1 was estimated to be traveling 40 MPH at the time of the accident.
20. Milepoint 4.965, CR 74E 0.2 miles east of Alpine Elk Ranch Road, Property Damage Only, May 7, 2015: Road conditions were slushy and daylight. A single vehicle accident; Vehicle #1 was eastbound on CR 74E when the driver lost control of the vehicle. Vehicle #1 slid off the left side of the roadway, traveled down an embankment, and collided with a rock before coming to final rest. Vehicle #1 was estimated to be traveling 35 MPH at the time of the accident. 21. Milepoint 2.505, CR 74E 172 feet east of Phantom Ranch Road West, Property Damage Only, July 28, 2015: Road conditions were dry and dark (unlighted). A single vehicle accident; Vehicle #1 was eastbound on CR 74E when it drove partially off the right side of the roadway. Vehicle #1 corrected back onto the roadway, when it rotated one full turn and traveled across the roadway. Vehicle #1 slid off the south side of the roadway, where it collided three times with trees. Vehicle #1 drove back onto the roadway where it came to final rest. The driver of Vehicle #1 was cited for careless driving. Vehicle #1 was estimated to be traveling 65 MPH at the time of the accident. 22. Milepoint 11.212, CR 74E 0.2 miles west of milepost 13, Property Damage Only, September 14, 2015: Road conditions were dry and dark (unlighted). A single vehicle accident; Vehicle #1 was westbound on CR 74E when it collided with a deer in the roadway. The deer ran into the right side of Vehicle #1. Vehicle #1 was estimated to be traveling 40 MPH at the time of the accident. 23. Milepoint 7.344, CR 74E 0.2 miles west of milepost 17, Property Damage Only, September 29, 2015: Road conditions were dry and daylight. A single vehicle accident; Vehicle #1 was westbound on CR 74E when it traveled across the eastbound lane and off the left side of the roadway. Vehicle #1 then struck a barbed wire fence and a large rock before coming to final rest. The driver of Vehicle #1 was cited for careless driving. Vehicle #1 was estimated to be traveling 35 MPH at the time of the accident.
24. Milepoint 11.940, CR 74E 0.5 miles west of milepost 12, Property Damage Only, November 14, 2015: Road conditions were dry and dark (unlighted). A single vehicle accident; Vehicle #1 was westbound on CR 74E when it traveled across the eastbound lane and the shoulder of the road before colliding with the guard rail. Vehicle #1 traveled along the guardrail for over 100 feet before coming to final rest. The driver of Vehicle #1 was cited for careless driving. Vehicle #1 was estimated to be traveling 45 MPH at the time of the accident. 25. Milepoint 3.002, CR 74E 0.34 miles east of Phantom Ranch Road, Fatal, February 22, 2016: Road conditions were snowy and dark (unlighted). A single vehicle accident; Vehicle #1 was westbound on CR 74E when the driver lost control while traveling around a downhill right hand curve. Vehicle #1 traveled off the left hand side of the roadway while rotating. Vehicle #1 traveled down a steep embankment before rolling one and a half times. Vehicle #1 struck a barbed wire fence. While rolling, the driver of Vehicle #1 was ejected and rolled over by Vehicle #1. The driver of Vehicle #1 was not wearing a seatbelt and was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Vehicle #1 was estimated to be traveling 40 MPH at the time of the accident. 26. Milepoint 12.037, CR 74E 0.4 miles west of milepost 12, Property Damage Only, June 8, 2016: Road conditions were dry and dawn/dusk. A single vehicle accident; Vehicle #1 was westbound on CR 74E when it drove off the right side of the roadway. Vehicle #1 traveled down an embankment before colliding with a fence, where it came to final rest. The driver of Vehicle #1 was cited for careless driving. Vehicle #1 was estimated to be traveling 45 MPH at the time of the accident. Summary of Accidents: Of the 25 accidents on the section of CR 74E being studied over the last 6.5 years, six involved a driver exceeding a safe speed, seven were animal caused, one was a DUI, one was due to failure to yield the right of way, five were due to lane violations, one was due to driving while asleep, four were due to inattentive driving, and one was due to a defective vehicle. Of the six accidents in which it was determined that a safe speed was exceeded, in only one case was this speed greater than the posted speed limit, while in all others the road conditions were determined to have created a slower safe speed.
VII. Traffic Characteristics and Control Average Daily Traffic Information: Traffic count data for the section of CR 74E being studied is presented in Table 3 below. Table 3: Traffic Counts for CR 74E (2010 – Present) Location CR 74E west of CR 68C (Boy Scout Rd/Log Cabin Rd)
CR 74E east of CR 68C (Boy Scout Rd/Log Cabin Rd)
Weekday ADT
Weekend ADT
Year
1700
2800
2015
1200
2200
2013
1500
2500
2011
1800
3000
2015
1300
2400
2013
1700
2700
2011
Functional Classification: Due to its location and usage, CR 74E is classified as a minor arterial roadway. CR 74E primarily serves as access to several mountain communities, including Red Feather Lakes, as well as a variety of recreational areas in northern Larimer County. Turning Movements and Control: Most of the turning movements along CR 74E occur at any of the 24 intersections with private or county roads. These intersections include those at CR 74E/CR 67A, CR 74E/CR 68C, and intersection with public/private roads including Phantom Ranch Road, Cougar Rock Road, Alpine Elk Ranch Lane, Whispering Pines Road, Lady Moon Drive, Spring Meadow Way, North Rim Road, Mount Tileston Court, Lizard Head Mountain Drive, Iron Mountain Road, Kenosha Mountain Drive, Green Mountain Drive, Mount Fisher Court, Bald Mountain Drive, Mount Harvard Road, Mount Axtel Road, Mount Moriah Road, Eiger Road, Mount Simon Drive, and Deer Meadow Way. Stop signs control access onto CR 74E at intersections with CR 67A/Dowdy Lake Road, the West Lake Campground access, the Mount Margaret and Lady Moon trailhead parking accesses, CR 68C/Boy Scout Road, and Deer Meadow Way. There are many other accesses along the roadway, primarily to fields, residences, and ranches, approximately half of which are controlled by a gate of some kind. The rest of the accesses along the roadway have no type of access control. Parking and Loading Vehicles: No on street parking is provided on CR 74E. For most of the road, there is an unpaved shoulder wide enough for a vehicle to comfortably stop on if necessary as well as several
pull off locations. There are view residences with access directly to CR 74E, and they all provide sufficient parking on private property. Loading vehicles are unlikely to be present in the roadway as there are few residences directly along the roadway. Commercial Vehicles: Commercial traffic was observed at the time of study on CR 74E. This road serves the Glacier View Meadows Community, Red Feather Lakes Village, and many surrounding residences, communities, and businesses. Thus, commercial traffic is expected to be frequent on this section of roadway as it is the main access for the mountainous communities in northcentral Larimer County. As expected with the number of communities served by the roadway, most of the commercial traffic observed during study included delivery vehicles, garbage trucks, and construction vehicles. Vehicle Conflicts with Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Animals, etc.: During the study, no pedestrians and few bicyclists were observed on CR 74E. Pedestrians are likely uncommon due to the rural location of the roadway, and bicyclists may be present occasionally, but are not expected often due to the location of the roadway, and the speed and volume of traffic. Wild animals are expected to be present in or near the roadway at any time due to the mountainous location of the roadway.Additionally, domesticated animals, such as horses and livestock, may be present in the roadway on occasion as there are many farms/ranches in the vicinity of the roadway.The likelihood of animals in the roadway is highlighted in the accident history for this section of CR 74E as seven accidents have been caused by animals over the last 6.5 years, including collisions with 2 cows, 2 elk, and 3 deer. Traffic Signal or Traffic Control Device Information: A summary of road signage along CR 74E is presented in Table 4 below, including the mileage, sheeting, and condition. Table 4: Signs along CR 74E Sign
Approximate Miles Eastof CR 67A
Direction Controlled
Sheeting
Condition
Segment A MP 1.578 CO RD 74E
0.0
N/S
High Intensity
Good
COUNTY ROAD 67A
0.0
E/W
High Intensity
Good
Mile Marker 23
0.0
E/W
High Intensity
Good
0.0
W
Engineering
Good
Recreational Destination Sign (Three Lines with Arrow)
Recreational Destination Sign (One
0.0
W
High Intensity
Good
0.0
W
High Intensity
Good
Curve Left
0.0
W
High Intensity
Good
35 M.P.H. Advisory
0.0
W
High Intensity
Good
0.0
W
High Intensity
Good
Curve Left
0.0
E
High Intensity
Good
35 M.P.H. Advisory
0.0
E
High Intensity
Good
0.2
E
Engineering
Good
0.3
W
High Intensity
Good
0.4
W
Engineering
Good
0.4
E
High Intensity
Good
0.5
E
High Intensity
Good
0.5
E
High Intensity
Good
0.6
W
High Intensity
Good
Curve Left
0.7
W
High Intensity
Good
40 M.P.H Advisory
0.7
W
High Intensity
Good
Curve Left
0.7
E
High Intensity
Good
35 M.P.H. Advisory
0.7
E
High Intensity
Good
Phantom Ranch Road
0.9
E/W
High Intensity
Good
Curve Right
1.0
W
High Intensity
Good
Mile Marker 22
1.0
E/W
High Intensity
Good
Phantom Ranch Road
1.0
E/W
High Intensity
Good
Speed Limit 45
1.1
E
High Intensity
Good
School Bus Stop Ahead
1.1
W
High Intensity
Good
1.5
E
Engineering
Good
1.7
W
Engineering
Good
Line with Arrow) Destination Sign (Two Lines with Arrow)
Destination Sign (Two Lines with Arrow and Distance)
Recreational Geographic Info Sign Curve Right Recreational Geographic Info Sign Curve Right Destination Sign (Two Lines with Arrow) School Bus Stop Ahead Destination Sign (Two Lines with Arrow)
Recreational Destination Sign (One Line with Arrow) Recreational Destination Sign (One
Line with Arrow) Mile Marker 21
2.0
E/W
High Intensity
Good
2.1
E
High Intensity
Good
Stop
2.3
S
High Intensity
Good
Stop
2.3
N
High Intensity
Good
2.3
W
High Intensity
Good
Cougar Rock Rd
2.5
E/W
High Intensity
Good
Speed Limit 45
2.6
E
High Intensity
Good
Speed Limit 45
2.6
W
High Intensity
Good
Reverse Curve Left
2.7
E
High Intensity
Good
40 M.P.H. Advisory
2.7
E
High Intensity
Good
Chevron
2.7
E
Engineering
Good
Chevron
2.8
E
Engineering
Good
Chevron
2.8
W
Engineering
Good
Chevron
2.8
E
Engineering
Good
Chevron
2.8
W
Engineering
Good
Chevron
2.8
E
Engineering
Good
Chevron
2.8
W
Engineering
Good
Chevron
2.8
E
Engineering
Good
Mile Marker 20
3.0
E/W
High Intensity
Good
County Rd 74E
2.1
N/S
High Intensity
Good
Alpine Elk Ranch Lane
2.1
E/W
High Intensity
Good
Reverse Curve Left
2.2
W
High Intensity
Good
40 M.P.H. Advisory
2.2
W
High Intensity
Good
3.6
E/W
High Intensity
Good
4.0
W
Engineering
Good
Mile Marker 19
4.0
E/W
High Intensity
Good
Lady Moon Drive
4.1
E/W
Engineering
Good
School Bus Stop Ahead
5.0
E
Day Glow
Good
Mile Marker 18
5.0
E/W
High Intensity
Good
Speed Limit 40
5.1
E
High Intensity
Good
Recreational Destination Sign (Two Lines with Arrow)
Recreational Destination Sign (Two Lines with Arrow)
Whispering Pines Road Red Feather Lakes Emergency 911
Speed Limit 45
5.1
W
High Intensity
Good
5.1
W
High Intensity
Good
School Bus Stop Ahead
5.2
E
Day Glow
Good
School Bus Stop Ahead
5.2
W
Day Glow
Good
5.8
N/S
High Intensity
Good
Spring Meadow Way
5.8
E/W
High Intensity
Good
Mile Marker 17
5.9
E/W
High Intensity
Good
6.2
E
High Intensity
Good
Side Road Right
6.2
E
High Intensity
Good
Larimer County 74E
6.2
W
Engineering
Good
Speed Limit 40
6.3
W
High Intensity
Good
Right Lane Must Turn Right
Red Feather Lakes Road
Destination Sign (Two Lines with Arrow and Distance)
Segment B Stop
6.3
N
High Intensity
Bent
74E 16600 W
6.3
N/S
High Intensity
Good
68C 100 W
6.3
E/W
High Intensity
Good
6.3
W
Engineering
Paint cracked, Dents
6.3
E
Engineering
Paint cracked, faded
6.3
E
High Intensity
Good
Side Road Left
6.3
W
High Intensity
Good
Curve Right
6.3
E
High Intensity
Paint starting to peel
6.3
W
High Intensity
Good
Speed Limit 40
6.4
E
High Intensity
Good
Curve Left
6.5
W
High Intensity
Good
Curve Left
6.5
E
High Intensity
Good
School Bus Stop Ahead
6.7
E
Day Glow
Few paint chips
Curve Right
6.8
W
High Intensity
Good
County Road 74E
6.8
N/S
High Intensity
Good
North Rim Road
6.8
E/W
High Intensity
Good
Side Road Right
6.8
E
High Intensity
Good, Loose in mount
Destination Sign (Two Lines with Arrow) Larimer County 74E Distance Sign (Two Lines)
Destination Sign (Two Lines with Arrow and Distance)
Curve Right
6.9
E
High Intensity
Good
Mile Marker 16
6.9
E/W
High Intensity
Good
Mount Tileston Ct
6.9
E/W
High Intensity
Good, slight bend
Side Road Left
6.9
W
High Intensity
Good
Curve Left
7.0
E
High Intensity
Good, top bent
Curve Left
7.0
W
High Intensity
Good
Curve Right
7.1
W
High Intensity
Good
Lizard Head MtnDr
7.2
E/W
High Intensity
Good
Speed Limit 45
7.2
E
High Intensity
Bent, Scratched
Speed Limit 40
7.2
W
High Intensity
Some paint chips
Side Road Left
7.2
W
High Intensity
Good
7.4
W
High Intensity
Good
Iron Mountain Dr
7.6
E/W
High Intensity
Good
Mile Marker 15
7.8
E/W
High Intensity
Good
Kenosha MtnDr
8.1
E/W
High Intensity
Good, slight bend
Fire Station Ahead
8.4
E
High Intensity
Good
Green Mountain Dr
8.5
E/W
High Intensity
Bent
County Road 74E
8.5
N/S
High Intensity
Good
Green Mountain Dr
8.5
E/W
High Intensity
Good
Fire Station Ahead
8.6
W
High Intensity
Good, few scratches
Mount Fisher Ct
8.8
E/W
High Intensity
Good, bend
Mile Marker 14
8.8
E/W
High Intensity
Good
Speed Limit 45
9.1
W
High Intensity
Paint chipping, bullet hole
County Road 74E
9.2
N/S
High Intensity
Good
Green Mountain Dr
9.2
E/W
High Intensity
Good
Bald Mountain Dr
9.2
E/W
High Intensity
Good
Speed Limit 45
9.3
E
High Intensity
Good
Deer Crossing
9.5
E
High Intensity
Good
School Bus Stop Ahead
9.7
W
Day Glow
Paint cracked/chipping
Mile Marker 13
9.7
E/W
High Intensity
Good
Mount Harvard Rd
9.9
E/W
High Intensity
Good
Mount Axtel Rd
10.0
E/W
High Intensity
Good
Curve Left
10.0
E
High Intensity
Good
45 M.P.H. Advisory
10.0
E
High Intensity
Bent
Curve Right
10.2
W
High Intensity
Good
Distance Sign (Two Lines)
45 M.P.H. Advisory
10.2
W
High Intensity
Slight bend
Mount Moriah Rd
10.4 (Left)
E/W
High Intensity
Good
Mount Moriah Rd
10.4 (Right)
E/W
High Intensity
Good
Deer Crossing
10.6
W
High Intensity
Good, few scratches
Curve Left
10.6
E
High Intensity
Good
Mile Marker 12
10.7
E/W
High Intensity
Bent, Scraped
Curve Right
10.8
W
High Intensity
Good
Speed Limit 45
10.9
W
High Intensity
Good
School Bus Stop Ahead
10.9
E
Engineering
Paint cracked
Larimer County 74E
10.9
W
Engineering
Paint fading/cracking
County Road 74E
11.0
N/S
High Intensity
Good
Eiger Rd
11.0
E/W
High Intensity
Good
Larimer County 74E
11.0
E
Engineering
Paint fading/cracking
School Bus Stop Ahead
11.1
W
Engineering
Paint cracked
Speed Limit 45
11.1
E
High Intensity
Good
Mount Simon Dr
11.3
E/W
High Intensity
Good
Mile Marker 11
11.6
E/W
High Intensity
Good
Trucks Turning
12.0
E
High Intensity
Good
500 Feet
12.0
E
High Intensity
Good
Stop
12.1
N
High Intensity
Good
Deer Meadow Way
12.1
E/W
Engineering
Good
No Outlet
12.1
E/W
Engineering
Good
Recommended Sign Maintenance:
It is recommended that the following signs be replaced and upgraded to high intensity sheeting: o Destination Sign [Two lines with arrow] (at 7.9 miles), Larimer County 74E (at 7.9 miles), Larimer County 74E (at 12.5 miles), Larimer County 74E (at 12.6 miles) It is recommended that the following signs be replaced and upgraded to day glow sheeting: o School Bus Stop Ahead (at 12.5 miles), School Bus Stop Ahead (at 12.7 miles) It is recommended that the following signs be repaired/replaced with high intensity sheeting: o School Bus Stop Ahead (at 11.3 miles)
VIII. Comments County Road 74E (Red Feather Lakes Road), a paved surface (chip seal over asphalt concrete) in fair condition, is classified as a minor arterial roadway in the Larimer County Road Network. The scope of this study covers the section of CR 74E from CR 67A (Dowdy Lake Road) to Deer Meadow Way/McNay Hill.The roadway has an average width of 24 feet from CR 67A to CR 68C (Boy Scout Road), 33 feet from CR 68C to milepoint 12.364, and 25 feet from milepoint 12.364 to Deer Meadow Way. Historical traffic counts show that CR 74E carries an average daily traffic volume of 1980 vehicles just west of CR 68C and 2150 vehicles just east of CR 68C. Traffic data collected during the course of this study shows daily traffic volumes of 1650 vehicles per day at the western end of the study area, 1950 vehicles per day just east of the intersection of CR 68C, and 2620 vehicles per day at the eastern end of the study area. Prevailing vehicular speed data collected suggests that drivers are comfortable navigating CR 74E from CR 67A to CR 68C between 50 and 55 MPH based on the 85th percentile speed, and from CR 68C to Deer Meadow Way at approximately 60 MPH based on the 85th percentile speed. Test drives also indicated the current 40 and 45 MPH speed limits felt uncomfortably slow on portions of the roadway.
IX. Recommendations 1. It is recommended that County Rd 74E from CR 67A (Dowdy Lake Rd) to 1.1 miles east of CR 67A remain posted with a regulatory speed of 45 Miles Per Hour. 2. The regulatory speed limit from 1.1 miles east of CR 67A to 4.0 miles east of CR 67A should be raised from 45 Miles Per Hour to 50 Miles Per Hour. 3. The regulatory speed limit from 4.0 miles east of CR 67A to 1.0 mile east of CR 68C (just east of Lizard Head Mtn Rd) should be raised from 40 Miles Per Hour to 45 Miles Per Hour. 4. The regulatory speed limit from 1.0 Mile east of CR 68C (just east of Lizard Head Mountain Rd) to just west of Milepost 13 should be raised from 45 Miles Per Hour to 55 Miles Per Hour. 5. The regulatory speed limit from just west of milepost 13 to Deer Meadow Way should be raised from 45 Miles Per Hour to 50 Miles Per Hour.
Approved By: X_______________________________________________Date: March 21, 2017 Mark Peterson, Larimer County Engineer
