Bow Mar Approves Gate to Restrict Cut Through Traffic

A small Colorado community between Denver and Littleton is moving ahead with plans to restrict access to its streets after a traffic study found that approximately 1,200 vehicles pass through daily, most driven by nonresidents. Bow Mar's board of trustees unanimously approved working with an engineering firm on a controlled-access gate, citing concerns about the safety of children and older residents.

According to CBS News, the town, which has approximately 900 to 950 residents, could install its first gate by Thanksgiving, with operations expected to begin in mid-January. The proposal has drawn opposition from Denver and Littleton officials, who warn that restricting access to public roads could disrupt traffic and create other safety concerns.

Bow Mar has already introduced speed bumps, reduced the speed limit to 20 mph and installed signs warning motorists that children are playing nearby. However, residents continue to express concerns about vehicles using neighborhood streets as shortcuts. A vehicle discovered in Bowles Lake recently renewed calls within the community for stronger traffic controls, according to CBS News.

The approved project will focus initially on one entrance, while the town evaluates its effects before considering additional gates. Earlier proposals called for controlled-access gates at two of Bow Mar's three main entrances and the closure of a smaller entrance near Tufts Avenue.

According to The New York Times, residents would be able to enter using radio-frequency tags identifying their vehicles. Visitors could receive special access codes, while emergency vehicles would also be allowed through. The Littleton Independent reported that food delivery personnel and other service providers could obtain codes as well.

Bow Mar has not yet announced whether the gate will operate around the clock or only during peak traffic periods. Town officials have said the operating arrangements remain under discussion and that further details about construction at the Sheridan entrance will be released in the coming weeks.

Denver and Littleton have urged Bow Mar to suspend the plan and pursue a solution jointly developed by the communities. Their objection centers on the potential consequences of restricting access to roads that serve residents across municipal boundaries.

The two cities argued that Bow Mar residents reasonably expect access to Denver and Littleton roads and public rights-of-way, and that their own communities should receive equivalent consideration. They called for an alternative that addresses traffic concerns without unnecessarily limiting public access.

Denver City Councilman Kevin Flynn told CBS Colorado that closing public streets could interfere with existing traffic patterns and create safety problems by restricting access to the traffic signal at Quincy Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard.

Bow Mar also acknowledged that it does not currently have accident report data available to evaluate the extent of the problem. CBS Colorado said it submitted multiple requests for records to Columbine Valley Police, which provides police coverage for Bow Mar, the previous week but had not received a response at the time of its report.

The town plans to assess the first gate's impact before deciding whether to proceed with further installations. The initial project remains on track for potential installation by Thanksgiving, followed by activation in mid-January.