Douglas County commissioners on Tuesday approved a $14.4 million construction contract to complete the first phase of Hilltop Road’s reconstruction south of Parker.

The project’s first phase entails the reconstruction of Hilltop Road from Legend High School through Village Road and the Crestview Drive intersection, set to begin within the next couple months.

The $14.4 million is dedicated to installing the four-lane road with a concrete curb, gutter system, a median and new storm sewer system with water quality control ponds. This also includes the construction of a roundabout at the Hilltop Road, Village Road and Crestview Drive intersection — accommodating for large vehicles and horse trailers, according to county staff.

That intersection, which replaces the two-way stop intersection, will be the biggest intersection reconstruction for this project, staff said on Tuesday.

“This is one we’ve been going back and forth on for I feel like my whole time on the board,” said Commissioner George Teal, adding it has taken “several years” to get this project greenlighted.

“It’s good to finally get this on the schedule and get it moving,” he said.

Construction is scheduled to begin within the next two months — following results from potential traffic impact reports caused by construction, expected to take between 12 and 18 months to complete — county officials noted on its website.

Elite Surface’s bid on the project saved the county $2.4 million compared to other bids, according to staff.

The company’s contract lasts for 487 days with the anticipation of an early finish.

The $14.4 million first phase of Hilltop Road’s reconstruction is the start of a three-step plan.

Starting in late 2025 or early 2026, officials anticipate construction to begin along Hilltop Road from Crestview Drive to Alpine Drive. In 2027, construction will begin on Hilltop Road to Flintwood Road on Singing Hills Road, officials said on the website.