Colorado Boulevard Multimodal Improvements

Children crossing at Colorado Blvd and Euclid Ave intersection

In June 2021, the City of Centennial adopted the Colorado Boulevard Multimodal Corridor Study(PDF, 69MB) to improve safety and accessibility for all types of transportation along Colorado Boulevard between Orchard Road and County Line Road.

Colorado Blvd.: Arapahoe Rd. to Dry Creek Rd.

Following the study’s adoption, the City applied for federal funding to construct the 1-mile stretch between Arapahoe Rd. and Dry Creek Rd., as the first major implementation of a multi-phased approach to enhance the full corridor. In 2023, the City was awarded a 2024-27 DRCOG Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) grant of up to $9.4 million for construction, with 90% ($8.41 million) covered by federal and state funds and a 10% match ($950,000) required by the City.

This project is currently in the design phase, following the 2021 Corridor Study’s recommendation to reduce this portion of Colorado Boulevard to one lane in each direction with a center turn lane. The remaining roadway space will be repurposed for multi-use paths.

Learn more about the project background here.

Traffic Data

Traffic data collected for the 2021 corridor study for the segment of Colorado Blvd. between Arapahoe Rd. and Dry Creek Rd. found that 30% of vehicles traveling northbound and 89% of vehicles traveling southbound were driving over the 40 mph speed limit, with 129 of those vehicles traveling over 55 mph. A reduction in the number of lanes as well as lane width is shown to decrease speeds, as is controlled by those vehicles traveling slower.

View the Traffic Data in section 2.0 of the study here.(PDF, 69MB)

Colorado Blvd. and Euclid Ave. Study

This study evaluated ways to improve traffic safety and operations for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists at the intersection of Colorado Blvd. and Euclid Ave. The study also considered potential safety enhancements to Euclid Ave.

Community input shaped the process, with final recommendations balancing feasibility and safety improvements. Read the full report of the Colorado Blvd. and Euclid Ave. study(PDF, 18MB).

The recommended improvements of this study align with the Colorado Boulevard Multimodal Study(PDF, 69MB) and the City of Centennial’s Transportation Master Plan(PDF, 68MB).

Study Process and Findings

Public/Stakeholder Input

In late 2023, the public and key stakeholders shared experiences and ideas through an interactive crowdsourcing map. They also ranked top priorities for focused improvements. The same activities were offered in print at an open house meeting. In March 2024, draft concepts for improvements were presented in an online survey. Each concept featured benefits and potential disadvantages to support the community in making informed decisions.

Analysis

Field observations showed the public generally follows traffic rules, but the intersection is unconventional and confusing. Technical analysis explored crash data and severity, speeds, traffic volumes, street characteristics and travel patterns for both vehicles and pedestrians/bicyclists.  

Recommendations

Community input shaped the process, with final recommendations balancing feasibility and safety improvements. View the FINAL REPORT here.

  • Roundabout recommended to reduce conflict points, lower speeds, and improve safety with marked crosswalks and a Rapid Flashing Beacon. 
  • Buffered Multipurpose Lanes recommended to create safer, organized space for bicyclists and vehicles, with an 8-foot shared lane, 3-foot buffer and 11-foot travel lanes. 

Timeline

Project Updates

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