Colorado Boulevard Multimodal Improvements
Overview
Changes are coming to Colorado Blvd.—designed with safety, comfort and community in mind.
The current focus is on the segment between Arapahoe Rd. and Dry Creek Rd., where updates will make the street safer and more inviting for everyone—whether you walk, bike, roll or drive.
Key improvements include:
- Separated shared-use paths for walking and biking
- Traffic calming to encourage appropriate driver behavior
- Better visibility and access at intersections and neighborhood streets
This is the first phase of a long-term vision to improve how people move throughout the full Colorado Blvd. corridor. Learn more below and stay tuned for updates as design continues.
Colorado Blvd.: Arapahoe Rd. to Dry Creek Rd.
This effort builds on the City’s 2021 Multimodal Corridor Study(PDF, 69MB), which identified opportunities to improve safety and accessibility for all types of transportation along Colorado Blvd. between Orchard Rd. and County Line Rd.
Following the study’s adoption by City Council in June 2021, 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 Denver Regional Council Of Governments (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.
Design work is now underway and follows the study’s recommendation to reduce travel lanes and repurpose excess space for multi-use paths and other safety features as shown below.
An Open House is tentatively scheduled for Spring 2026 to present the final design and anticipated construction schedules.
This initial phase lays the groundwork for future improvements across the corridor.
More Project Details
Traffic Study Details
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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