As Arapahoe County Public Works and Development (PWD) celebrates National Public Works Week, May 21-27, the department has released its 2022 community report, which this year includes a report card of its $1.26 billion in infrastructure assets.

The report showcases PWD’s accomplishments from last year and offers an honest evaluation of the challenges the department faces in maintaining assets that includes paved and gravel roads, bridges, traffic signals, signs, guardrails and snow fence. 

“For decades, we have collected this data and have used it for internal decision-making and resource allocation,” PWD Director Bryan Weimer said. “Until now it has never been shared with the public in a comprehensive manner. 

“The results will be eye-opening for many, but it’s an honest assessment of the conditions of our roads, bridges and other transportation infrastructure.”

According to the report card, the condition of paved roads has fallen below the County’s standards as more than 40 percent of roadways are in poor condition. 

The County has also fallen behind in replacing roadway signs and maintaining guardrails. Budgets restraints are the biggest factor for these assets to fall behind County goals. 

Receiving passing marks are the conditions of bridges, traffic signals and gravel roads. 

“While there are some areas where we currently cannot deliver the level of service we would like to, we remain steadfast in our commitment to continuous improvement and in maximizing our budget to deliver the highest level of service possible within available resources,” Weimer said. 

The report also highlights the department’s 2022 accomplishments, which include:

• Animal Services reunited 61 pets with their owners and staff didn’t report a single bite. 
• New Building Code and Design Criteria for residential and commercial buildings that follow the 2021 editions of the various international building codes. The division also oversaw more than 29,000 building inspections. 
• Engineering Services updated its Grading Erosion Sediment Control manual and assisted in coordinating rain barrel workshops for the public.
• Planning adopted new solar, affordable housing and marijuana regulations, along with approving 1,021 new housing units. Staff also secured funding for a countywide water study. 
• Road and Bridge placed a record 44,000 tons of asphalt on County roads and replaced 953 traffic signs.
• Support Services improved reporting procedures to ensure PWD receives the proper Highway Users Tax Fund funding and continues to digitize records.
• Transportation continued overseeing $25 million in improvements to Iliff Avenue between South Parker Road and Quebec Street. Transportation also oversaw $1 million in improvements to Dry Creek and southbound I-25 Interchange.

For more information about PWD, its accomplishments and asset report card, check out the full report.

Join PWD for its annual Play Date on June 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Dove Valley Regional Park, 7900 S. Potomac St.