Aurora Reservoir Access Road Study

Conceptual design work for Alternative 5 paused

As of July 2026, the city has paused the conceptual design work on Alternative 5 while we consider public input and reevaluate possible alternatives. View the news feed post for more information.

Background

The city of Aurora conducted a study in 2025 to explore options for improved access to the Aurora Reservoir

The study focused on developing a new access road that accommodates current and future traffic projections while also providing pedestrian and bicycle connections to the reservoir.

The project's goal is to significantly improve the reservoir's infrastructure, support its facilities and operations, and ensure it can handle high traffic volumes during peak times, special events and holidays.

The city reviewed traffic information and developed and evaluated concepts for potential roadway alignments during the study and reached out to the community for input, which included an open house and online survey, on five proposed roadway access options under consideration.

The city had initially selected Alternative 5 in March 2026 for consideration to move forward to conceptual design. This alignment was initially selected because it takes into consideration existing topography, community input, impacts to surrounding neighborhoods and environmental resources to ensure sustainability while remaining cost-effective. View the final alternatives decision matrix.

After the city received additional feedback regarding Alternative 5, Ward VI Council Member Françoise Bergan hosted a Neighborhood Listening Session to provide additional information on this project, answer questions and listen to input, which resulted in this period of reevaluation.

Conceptual design work for Alternative 5 paused

As of July 2026, the city has paused the conceptual design work on Alternative 5 while we consider public input and reevaluate possible alternatives. View the news feed post for more information.

Background

The city of Aurora conducted a study in 2025 to explore options for improved access to the Aurora Reservoir

The study focused on developing a new access road that accommodates current and future traffic projections while also providing pedestrian and bicycle connections to the reservoir.

Conceptual design work for Alternative 5 paused

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Conceptual design work for Alternative 5 paused
As of July 2026, the city has paused the conceptual design work on Alternative 5 while we consider public input and reevaluate possible alternatives.
Project updates include:
Alternatives 1 and 2 will no longer be considered due to costs, environmental impacts and constructability concerns
Alternatives 3, 4 and 5 will continue to be evaluated with possible modifications to address resident concerns, including potential implementation of traffic calming measures on Belleview Avenue from Harvest Road to Gun Club Road to address some resident concerns if Alternative 3 or 5 is selected.
City staff will reevaluate initial security concerns related to Alternative 4 and proximity to water facilities.
City staff will evaluate feasibility of acquiring the right of way for the existing Powhaton Road alignment, which is privately owned. If the private owner is interested in such an acquisition, an Alternative 6 may be developed, which would improve and expand the current entrance.
Conceptual design work for Alternative 5 paused
As of July 2026, the city has paused the conceptual design work on Alternative 5 while we consider public input and reevaluate possible alternatives.
Project updates include:
Alternatives 1 and 2 will no longer be considered due to costs, environmental impacts and constructability concerns
Alternatives 3, 4 and 5 will continue to be evaluated with possible modifications to address resident concerns, including potential implementation of traffic calming measures on Belleview Avenue from Harvest Road to Gun Club Road to address some resident concerns if Alternative 3 or 5 is selected.
City staff will reevaluate initial security concerns related to Alternative 4 and proximity to water facilities.
City staff will evaluate feasibility of acquiring the right of way for the existing Powhaton Road alignment, which is privately owned. If the private owner is interested in such an acquisition, an Alternative 6 may be developed, which would improve and expand the current entrance.
City hosting June 9 Listening Session

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The city is hosting a neighborhood listening session to provide additional information on this project, answer questions and listen to feedback.
Aurora Reservoir Access Road Study Neighborhood Listening Session
Sponsored by Ward VI Council Member Françoise Bergan
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
6 to 7:30 p.m.
Southeast Recreation Center, 25400 E. Alexander Drive
Thank you to everyone who attended this meeting!
View the slideshow presentation
View the final alternatives decision matrix
The city is hosting a neighborhood listening session to provide additional information on this project, answer questions and listen to feedback.
Aurora Reservoir Access Road Study Neighborhood Listening Session
Sponsored by Ward VI Council Member Françoise Bergan
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
6 to 7:30 p.m.
Southeast Recreation Center, 25400 E. Alexander Drive
Thank you to everyone who attended this meeting!
View the slideshow presentation
View the final alternatives decision matrix
City selects Alternative 5 for further evaluation

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After weighing the alternatives and reviewing the community input, the city has selected Alternative 5 for consideration to move forward to conceptual design.
Alternative 5 is the extension of Whitaker Drive/Belleview Avenue. The city will be discussing potential property impacts with both Cherry Creek Schools and Arapahoe County.
Once this decision has been finalized, the city will begin work on the design process to get to the 30% design milestone. No funding has been identified at this time for design work beyond that milestone nor construction.
If you have any additional comments to share regarding this project or the preferred alternative, please comment via this form.
Additional information will be posted on this page as the project moves forward in the process.
After weighing the alternatives and reviewing the community input, the city has selected Alternative 5 for consideration to move forward to conceptual design.
Alternative 5 is the extension of Whitaker Drive/Belleview Avenue. The city will be discussing potential property impacts with both Cherry Creek Schools and Arapahoe County.
Once this decision has been finalized, the city will begin work on the design process to get to the 30% design milestone. No funding has been identified at this time for design work beyond that milestone nor construction.
If you have any additional comments to share regarding this project or the preferred alternative, please comment via this form.
Additional information will be posted on this page as the project moves forward in the process.