Denver one big cone zone this summer
| July 23, 2009 | 5:01 AM
More journal entries from Tillie Fong »
No, it’s not your imagination — Denver streets ARE being dug up all over this summer, but roadwork isn’t fully to blame.
Instead, different efforts are under way to improve utility infrastructure, including power, gas, sewer and water lines. Some projects are multiyear, while others are expected to be done this year.
Summer is typically the busy season for construction work, but Denver actually saw a decrease in the number of “street occupancy” permits issued this year, dropping to 6,442 from 7,469 this time last year.
“Street occupancy” permits are issued to companies or contractors that need to occupy right of ways, ranging from sidewalks to full street closings. But although the number of permits has dropped this year, that doesn’t mean there are fewer projects.
“While so far we have issued fewer permits than last year, those that we have issued cover larger areas,” said Ann Williams, spokeswoman for Denver Public Works.
She also noted that “not all city agencies obtain street occupancy permits when they need to work in the ROW (right of way), so some of the very large paving program projects that we are doing are not reflected in the permit count.”
In the meantime, while drivers may grumble about the detours and delays from all the work being done, Williams said residents should take heart at seeing all the cone zones around the city.
“People are working, and jobs are being created,” she said. “Work is getting done.”
Look for more posts today on some of the specific projects going on around town.
cone zone, denver, infrastructure, public works, road construction
