DENVER – There is some local interest in upgrading a section of state Highway 52 west of Fort Lupton, the scene of an accident a month ago that killed a young mother and her daughter.
    Former Firestone Mayor Mike Simone suggested making the entire stretch of the highway west of Fort Lupton a “double yellow line”, adding a few passing lanes, lowering the speed limit to 55 mph or erecting signs reminding drivers of the dangers. Simone was one of the first on scene to a fatal accident last month on the stretch of roadway that killed a mother and her daughter.
    The Colorado Department of Transportation said part of the process to make safety improvements to one of its highways was an analysis of traffic crash data. Spokeswoman Mindy Crane said when that information is compared with amount of traffic on similar highways, the data would show if accident rates are excessive and whether one type of accident (rear-end, sideswipes) are more common than others.
    The state says of the 33 crashes that happened along SH 52 between U.S. Highway 85 and Interstate 25, half resulted in property damage. Those 33 crashes happened between 1998 and 2007, according to CDOT spokeswoman Mindy Crane. Four people died in crashes between 1998 and 2010, including last month’s fatal accident. Crane said all four of those incidents involved an impaired driver.
    “The 33 crashes were various types so there is not one particular type of accident that is more prominent than others,” Crane said. “Without a distinct pattern in the accident type, it is difficult for us to improve safety along SH 52 through engineering as a problem has not been identified.”
    CDOT engineers also looked at various parts of the roadway. Crane said SH 52 has 10-foot shoulders, which she called “up to standard for a two-lane highway.” In addition, engineers found the passing zones are signed and striped properly and that the road was in good condition.
    “Like all of our highways, our engineers will continue to monitor traffic crash history and look for ways to improve SH 52 if a pattern or specific problem arises,” Crane said.  
    Meantime, the man accused of causing the most recent fatalities on state Highway 52 remained in the Weld County Jail with no reduction in bond.
    The most recent court appearance for Steven Ryan, 23, of Thornton, was Nov. 23. His next court appearance is a preliminary hearing set for 2 p.m., Jan. 4. His bond is $75,000.
    Ryan is facing eight charges, including four felony vehicular homicide counts, in the death of Tanya Guevara and her infant daughter. The Colorado State Patrol said Ryan, who was driving a Ford sedan, illegally passed into the eastbound lanes of state Highway 52 near Weld County Road 21. Ryan’s vehicle collided head-on with a Dodge Neon. Guevara swerved into the westbound lane. But when Ryan swerved into the same lane, the two vehicles collided. Guevara died, as did a small child in her car.