Bow Mar Moves Forward With Plan to Gate Public Roads Despite Opposition From Denver and Littleton
BOW MAR, CO — The Town of Bow Mar is moving forward with a controversial proposal that would install gates at multiple public road entrances and restrict access for non-residents, despite opposition from neighboring communities and questions about the legality of the plan.
Bow Mar’s Newly Approved & Public Access Layout
The proposal includes the installation of gates at Sheridan Boulevard and Prospect Drive, as well as the closure of an access point near Tufts Avenue. Residents would receive RFID tags that automatically open the gates, while visitors and other authorized users would be required to use access codes.
According to town officials, the proposal is intended to address longstanding concerns about cut-through traffic within the community. A traffic study commissioned by the town found that approximately 1,200 vehicles travel through Bow Mar each day, with more than half categorized as cut-through traffic.
Bow Mar leaders have argued that previous traffic-calming measures, including speed bumps, roundabouts, additional signage, pavement markings, and reduced speed limits, have not adequately addressed speeding and traffic concerns.
The proposal has drawn criticism from both the City and County of Denver and the City of Littleton. Earlier this month, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and Littleton Mayor Kyle Schlachter sent a joint letter requesting that Bow Mar pause the project, arguing that restricting access to public rights-of-way could create safety concerns and disrupt travel patterns for residents in neighboring communities.
The letter also warned that Denver and Littleton could explore roadway restrictions of their own if Bow Mar moves forward with the plan.
One of the primary concerns raised by neighboring jurisdictions involves access to the signalized intersection at Sheridan Boulevard and Quincy Avenue. Officials have argued that restricting access through Bow Mar could force drivers onto alternative routes that rely on stop-controlled intersections and could shift traffic impacts into surrounding neighborhoods.
The proposal has also sparked broader questions about whether municipalities can legally restrict public access to roads that remain publicly owned. Legal experts have noted that while Colorado law grants municipalities significant authority over traffic management, questions remain regarding whether access to public streets can be limited to residents and invited guests.
According to contracts reviewed by the town, the gate installation project is expected to cost approximately $249,000, including security systems and related concrete work. The proposal also includes license plate recognition cameras and emergency access technology intended to allow first responders to enter the community when needed.
Town officials have maintained that the proposal is focused on public safety rather than creating a private gated community. They have also emphasized that the roads would remain publicly owned and that emergency services would continue to have access.
With the town now moving forward on installation contracts, the project could advance toward construction in the coming months as discussions continue between Bow Mar, Denver, and Littleton regarding access, traffic impacts, and the future of the affected roadways.
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All project information was sourced from publicly available site plans, renderings, and permitting documents.
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