Laserfiche WebLink
The original Boulder Turnpike faced a serious disadvantage because it was not directly <br />connected to the Denver highway system. Its end at Federal Blvd. and the north end of <br />Denver's new Valley Highway were not directly connected by the SH 382 highway until 1956. <br />Despite such an obstacle, traffic counts along the Boulder Turnpike far exceeded expectations. <br />The HNTB consulting report was ultraconservative. It predicted 3,170 vehicles per day for 1960- <br />1980, but actual counts skyrocketed to 13,774 vehicles per day in 1966. The toll revenue was <br />so high that on September 14, 1967, the Boulder Turnpike became free and was renamed U.S. <br />36. The toll booths were removed immediately thereafter. The tolls had successfully paid for <br />$6.3M in bonds, $2.36M in interest, roadway resurfacing and realignment at Federal Blvd. in just <br />over 15 years, 15 years ahead of schedule. It is believed at time that the Boulder Turnpike was <br />the only public toll road to ever become free. <br />Today, the Boulder Turnpike is one of Colorado's most heavily traveled highways, carrying <br />90,000 vehicles each day. It is the lifeline of the Northwest Region, carrying goods, people and <br />ideas throughout the area and beyond. Just as it took the pioneering spirit of U.S. 36 residents, <br />businesses and communities to build U.S. 36 in the first place, it will require the same level of <br />visionary leadership and effort to improve U.S. 36 for today and the future. <br />14 <br />