Aurora Council Approves Transportation Safety Update and Project Execution Agreement

The Aurora City Council's Transportation, Airports & Public Works Policy Committee convened on August 21, 2025, to discuss critical updates on transportation safety and infrastructure projects that directly impact the community. A significant decision made during the meeting was the approval to advance a maintenance agreement with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), which is essential for moving forward with upcoming projects. The committee emphasized the urgency of this agreement, as CDOT has indicated that bidding for the project cannot commence until it is executed.

During the meeting, Carly Camp, Deputy Director of Transportation and Mobility, presented a comprehensive overview of transportation safety initiatives. She highlighted the alarming trends in crash data, noting that fatalities on Aurora's roadways have seen a troubling increase, particularly in recent years. The data revealed that while there was a spike in fatalities in 2023, there has been a slight decrease in 2024, with projections indicating a further decline in 2025. However, the numbers remain concerning, with a significant number of lives lost on local roads.

The presentation focused on the "3 E's" of road safety: engineering, enforcement, and education. Engineering efforts aim to improve the physical characteristics of roadways, while enforcement involves police actions to ensure compliance with traffic laws. Education seeks to raise awareness among drivers about safe practices. Camp also introduced the "safe systems approach," which recognizes that human error is inevitable and emphasizes shared responsibility among road users, vehicle safety, and roadway design.

Key statistics presented included that speeding is a contributing factor in 30-40% of fatal crashes, and impaired driving has steadily increased since 2019, accounting for about a third of fatalities. The data also indicated that young males, particularly those aged 18 to 45, are disproportionately involved in traffic fatalities, a trend that affects insurance rates for this demographic.

The committee's discussions underscored the importance of addressing these safety issues through targeted engineering projects and community education initiatives. As Aurora continues to grapple with roadway safety, the council's commitment to improving infrastructure and reducing fatalities remains a top priority, aiming to foster a safer environment for all residents.