Aurora Reservoir Access Road Study

Over the last few months, the project team has closely evaluated the alternatives being considered for improved Aurora Reservoir access and discussed the feedback we have heard.

Further research has revealed potential for those access improvements to occur off of Quincy Avenue, and we have shifted our focus to that area, instead of Harvest Road.

We will continue to keep you informed about the progress of this work on the project webpage.

At a community meeting on June 9, 2026, residents raised concerns about traffic near Aurora Reservoir during the July 4th holiday period, speeding and safety along Belleview Avenue, and the overall transparency of the study process.

In response, and as part of the ongoing reevaluation of the Aurora Reservoir Access Road Study, city staff collected updated traffic data on Belleview Avenue, Harvest Road and Quincy Avenue during the week of July 4, 2026. This data was compared to counts collected in May 2025, which were used in the original traffic study, to see how current conditions compare to what was previously analyzed.

The comparison found that traffic volumes and speeds during the July 4th holiday period were generally similar to those observed in May 2025.

Belleview Avenue and Harvest Road Traffic Count Summary July 2026

Belleview Avenue

• Average Daily Traffic (ADT): approximately 2,000 vehicles per day (vpd)
  • The capacity of a 4-lane roadway is 25,500 vpd, so the roadway is extremely under capacity, even on the 4th of July.
• 85th Percentile Speed: 38 mph
• Posted Speed Limit: 35 mph

Harvest Road

• Average Daily Traffic (ADT): Approximately 7,000 vehicles per day
  • The capacity of a 4-lane roadway is 25,500 vpd, so the roadway is extremely under capacity, even on the 4th of July.
• 85th Percentile Speed: 43.2 mph
• Posted Speed Limit: 40 mph

Overall, the July 2026 counts confirm that traffic conditions on these roadways during the peak summer season remain similar to those observed in May 2025.

To address resident concerns about transparency, the full Aurora Reservoir Access Road Study from October 2025 is now posted on this project webpage. The city will continue to use all traffic data collected, along with public input and other technical analysis, as it evaluates potential access alternatives for Aurora Reservoir.

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.

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

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.