The Future of US 40

Update: September 2022

In late 2021, the City’s Public Works team realized an opportunity to align this project’s planned improvements along US 40 with upcoming improvements along Lena Gulch, being designed in collaboration with the Mile High Flood District. While preliminary (30%) design plans were assembled and reviewed in late 2021, the City has put the US 40 project on a short hold to allow the Lena Gulch project to catch up. The upcoming collaboration between the two projects will streamline the City’s budgets and provide opportunity for efficiencies in construction of the two projects.

Meanwhile, in order to not lose some of the funding for the US 40 project, the City released an early construction package (Phase I) for some restriping work along US 40 to begin to move vehicles into their permanent location once the full project is implemented. That work is anticipated to begin in Fall 2022.

Project Background

The City began an effort in Spring 2021 to plan and design transportation improvements along US 40 (West Colfax Avenue) between Violet Street and I-70. Improvements are needed to better accommodate the various types of travelers accessing the diverse mix of land uses in the area, including open space, neighborhoods, and commercial and industrial areas.

This project will enhance transportation choices and connectivity while increasing safety. Bicycle and pedestrian facilities and connections, related intersection and roadway improvements, drainage, and water quality improvements will be identified and designed. Through a robust planning process, the City will identify a creative and implementable solution to balance the needs of the diverse users in this corridor while minimizing impacts. Collaboration with the community will result in a corridor that safely supports all modes of travel and reflects the community’s values.

Initial tasks include existing and forecasted conditions analysis and development and evaluation of improvement alternatives. After the preferred alternative is chosen, preliminary (30%) design plans will be prepared. Public comments on the preliminary design will be used to refine the design and final (100%) design plans will be prepared. Environmental clearance and right-of-way approvals will be obtained from CDOT and FHWA. The project is expected to be constructed in 2023.

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Key Project Tasks

• Understand existing traffic conditions currently present and anticipated in year 2050.
• Develop and evaluate alternatives to select a recommended alternative.
• Prepare preliminary and final design leading to plans for construction.
• Obtain required approvals from the Colorado Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration through frequent coordination.
• Involve community members and stakeholders to optimize the design and minimize impacts.

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Community Engagement

Join the project mailing list using the link in the right sidebar to receive notice of these engagement opportunities and to stay informed about project progress. We need your help to determine the Future of US 40!

• July 29, 2021 Online Open House– The first engagement opportunity happened early in the planning effort to provide insight into values, needs, and desires for changes to feed into alternatives development and evaluation. More opportunities to engage will happen soon. Hit subscribe on the right and we'll keep you updated on the project.
  • July 29 Open House Presentation Slides
  • July 29 Open House Meeting Video
  • Public Engagement Summary Report from July 29 Open House
• Late 2021 Open House – Public review of the preliminary (30%) design is planned to optimize the design and minimize impacts.