COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – The expansion of Black Forest Road has sparked a wave of changes in the local community, drawing mixed reactions from residents and business owners alike. As the newly paved roads continue to accommodate an increasing flow of traffic, some locals are raising concerns, while others are benefiting from the boost in foot traffic.
For Theda Stone, the owner of a backyard farm shop in Black Forest, the changes are already noticeable. Stone, who has lived in the area for 15 years, described the road expansion as a shift in the area’s dynamic, with more people using Black Forest Road as a bypass to reach Highway 83 or the interstate.
“We’ve seen more traffic, and it seems like people are just passing through,” said Stone. “They’re not necessarily locals, but just using the road to get closer to other major routes.”
One of the biggest concerns voiced by Stone and other residents is the speed at which vehicles are traveling. With the road now expanded, there has been a rise in vehicles exceeding the speed limits, which has heightened safety concerns for locals.
“Traffic is a concern for residents, especially with people not following the speed limits,” Stone added.
However, across the street, business owners are seeing a different side to the increased traffic. Sean Schickler, General Manager of Firehouse on the Run, a gas station and barbecue joint in Black Forest, explained that the influx of traffic has been a boon for his business. As one of the only establishments of its kind in the area, Firehouse on the Run has become a popular stop for travelers, and the boost in traffic has translated into higher sales.
“Once construction was complete and more people moved into the area, we saw a significant increase in sales,” Schickler said. “In the summer, our gross sales increase by at least 40%.”
Schickler explained that the added traffic has allowed his small, locally run business to thrive, despite the challenges posed by the roadwork and construction in recent years.
“We’ve been here through the thick and thin of all of it,” Schickler said. “Now that the road is better, it brings more people in, and that’s been great for business.”
The City of Colorado Springs has recognized the impact of the road expansion, with potential plans to widen Black Forest Road to four lanes all the way up to Old Ranch Road. If these plans move forward, the change could further alter the area’s landscape, potentially bringing even more traffic to this once quiet community.
As the debate continues over the road expansion’s impact, it’s clear that while some residents may be concerned about the rising traffic and speed issues, many local businesses are finding new opportunities for growth thanks to the increased visibility and easier access along Black Forest Road.
