Building Access at Altitude: GDT's Traffic Control Success in Georgetown Gateway – Argentine St N
April 25, 2024
Georgetown, Colorado
Key Takeaways
Successfully managed a complex roundabout installation at high elevation
Maintained 24/7 access with zero road closures throughout the project
Completed project on time despite weather constraints
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains and surrounded by snow-capped peaks, Georgetown, Colorado presents a unique challenge for infrastructure improvements. The Georgetown Gateway – Argentine Street North project was more than just a roundabout install—it was a logistical puzzle at high elevation, where time, weather, and collaboration mattered at every turn. As the traffic control partner for Jalisco International, GDT Traffic Control brought safety, flexibility, and local expertise to keep the community moving while construction transformed a key corridor.
Project Highlights
Contract Value: $189,385.00
Timeline: 170 days
Stakeholders: Town of Georgetown, Jalisco International, Xcel Energy
The aerial view reveals the complexity of this mountain town infrastructure project. Located at the intersection of Argentine Street and Twenty-Second Street, the project site presented unique challenges with high elevation, limited construction windows, and the need to maintain continuous access for residents and tourists. This bird's-eye perspective helped our team develop comprehensive traffic control strategies that would accommodate all users while enabling efficient construction progress.
1. Project Overview: Georgetown Gateway – Argentine Street North
The Georgetown Gateway – Argentine Street North project was a major investment in small-town accessibility, multimodal safety, and future-ready infrastructure. As traffic patterns evolved and usage increased, this project helped improve flow and walkability while maintaining safe passage during construction.
Key project details:
Client: Town of Georgetown, CO
Prime Contractor: Jalisco International
Traffic Control Contractor: GDT Traffic Control
Location: Argentine St & Twenty-Second St, Georgetown, Colorado
Contract Amount: $189,385.00
Timeline: 170 days
Completion Status: Completed on time
Key project elements included:
Installation of a modern roundabout at the intersection of Argentine Street and Twenty-Second Street
Construction of a new concrete bike and pedestrian trail along Argentine Street
Upgrades to street lighting for better safety and visibility
Improved connectivity for both vehicle and non-vehicle users in the heart of Georgetown
This was a strategic project that enhanced local infrastructure without disrupting the historic charm of the area or access for local residents and tourists.
2. Project Challenges: Mountain Town Logistics
While the scope of work may seem straightforward on paper, the real-world conditions of this mountain town added several layers of difficulty. High elevation, tight timelines, and active utilities all came into play.
Primary challenges GDT helped overcome:
Strict project timeline due to altitude-related weather constraints. With work beginning in warmer months, crews had to complete construction before winter snowfall brought operations to a halt.
No major road closures allowed. GDT had to ensure continuous traffic access on Argentine Street and Twenty-Second Street—24/7 access was required throughout the 170-day project.
Shared workspace with utility crews. Xcel Energy was simultaneously updating the local power grid, which required careful coordination between teams and constant adjustment to evolving site conditions.
Small-town constraints with high visibility. Local residents and businesses were directly impacted by any disruptions. Public trust and clear communication were paramount.
This required a flexible, responsive traffic control partner who could anticipate problems before they happened and keep the project moving safely and smoothly.
3. Unique Approach: GDT's Mountain-Town Strategy
GDT's involvement went far beyond typical flagging and signage. Our team developed a layered approach to planning, collaboration, and public communication tailored to Georgetown's unique challenges.
Strategic Implementation
Here's what set GDT apart on this project:
Adaptive Scheduling: Crews operated within an aggressive warm-season window. GDT helped build phased traffic control plans aligned with weather forecasts to maximize productivity before snow made work impossible.
High-Availability Flagging: GDT deployed 3–4 certified flaggers daily, maintaining full traffic access during roundabout construction, asphalt paving, and trail installation.
On-the-Ground Coordination: Our team worked side-by-side with Jalisco International and Xcel Energy, adjusting flagging zones and rerouting vehicles around utility upgrades while keeping site safety a top priority.
Real-Time Communication: GDT installed digital message boards along Argentine Street to provide live updates on road conditions, work zones, and detour info. This helped reduce driver confusion and improve public sentiment.
Preservation of Community Access: No road closures meant precise timing and setup each day. GDT delivered reliable, round-the-clock traffic control support without interrupting local life or weekend tourism flow.
GDT's Traffic Control Advantage in Georgetown
Specialized planning for high-elevation, seasonal work zones
Daily deployment of multi-person flagging teams
Zero major closures while maintaining construction progress
Active utility coordination with Xcel Energy
Digital message boards for clear, timely public awareness
Commitment to safe pedestrian and bike access during trail construction
4. Results: Delivering Excellence in Mountain Traffic Control
Despite the constraints, the project was completed on time and on budget, with no major incidents or delays—a testament to the seamless coordination between the contractors and GDT's experienced traffic control crew.
Performance Metrics and Outcomes:
$189,385 traffic control contract successfully completed
170-day timeline completed without delays
Zero road closures, fulfilling a key project requirement
3–4 flaggers deployed daily during peak construction periods
Digital message boards operational 24/7 to keep community informed
Improved street lighting and pedestrian safety delivered with zero conflicts
100% safe and continuous vehicle and pedestrian access maintained
The final result is a safer, more walkable, and more efficient gateway to Georgetown. The roundabout now eases traffic flow at a previously congested intersection, while the trail provides a scenic and functional route for pedestrians and cyclists. GDT's traffic control operations enabled all of this to happen with minimal public disruption—earning trust and setting a standard for rural infrastructure support.
Driving Progress in Mountain Communities
The Georgetown Gateway – Argentine St N project underscores the value of responsive, experienced traffic control in even the most challenging conditions. Whether it's a tight timeline, shared worksite, or community visibility, GDT delivers peace of mind with every cone, flag, and sign. Our work in Georgetown didn't just guide traffic—it helped build a better path forward for this mountain town and the people who live, work, and visit there.
If your municipality or contractor needs traffic control support in Colorado's most complex environments, trust GDT to get the job done—on time, on budget, and with the highest level of safety and professionalism.
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