Wadsworth Boulevard Improvements, 35th Avenue to I-70.


Project Area

The focus of the project is Wadsworth Boulevard from W. 35th Avenue to the southern edge of the I-70 interchange

Phase 1: Planning & Environmental Linkages Study

In 2015, the City of Wheat Ridge developed a Planning and Environmental Linkages Study (PEL), which investigated improvement opportunities to Wadsworth Boulevard from W. 35th Avenue to the southern edge of the I-70 interchange. This phase of work resulted in a recommended cross section and a $30 million dollar grant award from the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG).

Phase 2: NEPA & Preliminary Design

In the fall of 2019, the project team completed the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Preliminary Design phase of work. This project followed the CDOT and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) process for and Environmental Assessment (EA) and used both public and agency input in the decision-making process.

Development of the Environmental Assessment included the following:

  • Examination of the needs for improvements to the project corridor
  • Identification of the proposed action
  • Investigation of the anticipated benefits and impacts of the proposed improvements
  • Production of preliminary design plans
  • Recommendations for funding, scheduling, and phasing

The City of Wheat Ridge developed an Environmental Assessment that analyzed the environmental impacts associated with the conceptual design plans for improvements on Wadsworth Boulevard between 35th Avenue and I-70. Construction is projected to begin in 2021.

Benefits include:

  • improving traffic operations;
  • providing critical pedestrian and bicycle facilities; and
  • helping improve the look and feel of this important gateway into the city.

Proposed Design

Following concerns about the number of intersections with traffic signals that were proposed in the 2015 Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study, the city presented alternative design options. One of those alternatives—a Continuous Flow Intersection (CFI) for both 38th and 44th Avenues—was chosen as it will help reduce congestion while serving drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and transit. CFIs are innovative intersection designs that are increasingly being used around the country. In Colorado they can be found in Durango, and Loveland, and will soon be built in both Douglas and Arapahoe counties.