Superior in Boulder County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
The Denver-Boulder Turnpike
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, June 20, 2015
1. The Denver-Boulder Turnpike Marker
Planning for such a highway began in 1927 by Professor Roderick L. Downing, whose University engineering students later surveyed the route it follows. Professor Downing pressed for construction of the highway over a period of more than 20 years. He also made many other contributions to good highway planning in Colorado.
Many others too numerous to mention worked to make the Turnpike a reality. The Highway Committee of the Boulder Chamber of Commerce began to advocate such a road in 1941. Following World War II, a Boulder-Denver direct route committee was formed. Its members overcame various obstructions and doubts about toll financing.
The $6.3 million in bonds were authorized in July 1950. The highway opened as the Denver-Boulder Turnpike in January 1952, the first highway of its kind in Colorado and before the Interstate Highways which resemble it. The bond indebtedness was repaid 13 years ahead of schedule, and the route opened as a free public highway in September 1967.
Attached to this monument is the cornerstone of the Broomfield tollbooth of the turnpike.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1952.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Mary Miller Historical Mural (approx. 5.2 miles away); At the Foot of The Slabs (approx. 5˝ miles away); Peltier House (approx. 5.6 miles away); Joe Rodwick House (approx. 5.7 miles away); Colorado's Northern Coal Field (approx. 5.7 miles away); Miner's Museum (approx. 5.7 miles away); George Bermont House (approx. 5.7 miles away); City Hall (approx. 5.7 miles away).
More about this marker. The marker is on the right side of the road when heading towards Boulder, located at the Boulder Overlook on Davidson Mesa. There is an information kiosk - you can't miss it.
Also see . . . Toll road to Denver opened 60 years ago. Daily Camera article (1/7/2012) on the opening of the turnpike. On the smooth ride delivered by the new stretch of concrete: "...To test the smoothness of the road, a glass of water was weighed and taped to the hood of a cruiser of the Colorado State Patrol. A trooper drove the length of the highway, and
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, June 20, 2015
2. The Denver-Boulder Turnpike Marker - Wide View
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2015, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,098 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 24, 2015, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
