BAILEY, Colo. — Park County is taking steps to protect residents in the town of Bailey after a vehicle smashed into a home along County Road 72 in early January. The family who lives there said it was the sixth crash in six years, and they were concerned the county wasn’t taking the situation seriously.
Mike Smith, director of operations for Park County, said the intersection of County Road 72 and Old Highway 285, which is near the home, has been on his radar since he took over the position last June.
“They’re pretty aggressive when they drive through here,” said Smith. “It’s a sharp curve over a hill and then immediately right into an intersection so it tends to have a lot of conflict points that need to be addressed. It’s a problem intersection.”
The speed limit is 30 mph, but Smith said people rarely drive that slow.
Smith said crews were out in the area this week, putting up a new sign to warn drivers about the intersection and to put markers down for a new guardrail along the curve.
“We’re hoping that it gives a visual, and that it also protects the signage and structures, and the potential of having a vehicle enter this property again,” said Smith. “We’re going to get it fixed as best we can. It’s also going to take a combination of law enforcement at this location because you can only do so much safety-wise. The rest of it is going to have to be the responsibility of these drivers, too.”
Smith said the project will cost between $30,000 and $40,000. The money is coming out of the county’s road and bridge fund. He said the contract has already been signed. They’re hoping to start construction on the guardrail sometime between now and early February. Smith said they will also be adding chevron signage to warn drivers about the curve in the road.
While speaking with 9NEWS at the site, Smith said he discovered another issue that needs to be addressed.
“I don't know that we were aware that this was a bus stop,” said Smith. “It's definitely not an ideal location. It raises some concerns for visibility. We’re looking forward to finding a new location for this or working with the school district to see if we can find a better safer place for drop-off.”
Smith said he’s working to fix problem areas before they become major issues. He’s inviting the public to an open house round table event on Feb. 22 from 5-7 p.m. at Platte Canyon Fire Protection District located at 53 Dellwood Drive in Bailey.
PHOTOS: Car crashes into Bailey home
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Latest from 9NEWS