The Grand Peak Academy hosted a public meeting on the Black Forest Corridor Widening Plan Feb. 27.Jason Bonini, AECOM project manager, said the proposed changes involve widening Black Forest Road to four lanes, from Woodmen Road to Research Parkway, including a new bridge over Cottonwood Creek; and widening Black Forest Road to four lanes from Research Parkway to Old Ranch Road.Todd Frisbie, city traffic engineer, said the recommended changes are in response to a corridor study the city requested for Black Forest Road, between Woodmen to Old Ranch Road. The study determined the changes necessary to deal with growth.The plan is to finalize the design of the project from 2020 to 2021, with actual construction from 2021 to 2023. Improvements to the road will be funded through the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority and the city of Colorado Springs.The presenters fielded questions on drainage proposals, lane configurations, improvements that can be made now to alleviate major wait times at lights and stop signs; and whether the Wolf Ranch Development will be responsible for part of the costs. Another attendee asked if the plans considered the Black Forest Preservation Plan. Bonini said he has read the plan and they are aware of it.
