The purpose of the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP) is to implement traffic calming measures on neighborhood streets. In this program, residents are invited to bring traffic or speeding concerns to the attention of city staff. Then, we’ll collect traffic data and find an appropriate solution. The goal of the program is to place traffic calming devices where they are warranted and make our neighborhood streets safer.
How does it work?
Interested in applying for the NTMP for your street? Check out the annual timeline and process below. Please note that the budget for implementing the NTMP program varies by year, and some years may not have adequate funding for all projects that are requested.
January through March 31 - Enrollment applications are accepted.
Residents initiate the process by submitting their application with more than 50% of residents along the proposed segment signing in support of studying the segment. The minimum segment length is one block. Signatures may come from owners or occupants, and there may be a few different ways to hit the 50% threshold depending on the types of residential units on your street. To determine the number of signatures you need, please contact us at ntmp@ci.wheatridge.co.us or 303-235-2864.
April and May – City staff conduct the traffic analysis.
The city conducts a traffic analysis including a 7-day traffic speed and volume count for the segment.
Summer – City engineer drafts the traffic calming plan.
Engineering staff drafts the traffic calming plan based on our eligibility requirements (see available interventions below). While drafting the improvements, city engineers determine the length and scope of the potential improvements. City engineers also develop a conceptual cost estimate and determine if there is adequate budget for that year. The budget for implementing the NTMP program varies by year, and some years may not have adequate funding for all projects that are requested.
Late Summer/Fall – The city shares the plan with residents.
After the plan is drafted, all affected properties will receive a letter outlining the traffic data, proposed solution, and next steps. Those next steps include an open house where residents can talk to city staff about the traffic calming plan and share any feedback they have. Residents who are unable to join during the open house can still share their written comments during the two-week comment period by emailing ntmp@ci.wheatridge.co.us or mailing comments to City of Wheat Ridge, Attn: Engineering Division, 7500 W. 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge CO 80033. Staff will review comments and may make changes to the design. If significant changes are made, residents will be notified.
Late Fall/Winter – Final plans for all NTMP segments will be presented to city council.
Traditionally NTMP traffic calming projects are approved by city council at a public meeting. As noted above, the number and scope of NTMP projects may be limited or prioritized based on available budget.
Spring/Summer (the following year) – Approved plans will be constructed.
The city hires a contractor to perform annual street maintenance during late spring and summer, and NTMP projects will be completed as part of that annual maintenance contract pending budget availability.
What kind of improvements are available?
Staff will use the data collected during the traffic analysis to determine the classification of the speeding issue (normal, mild, moderate, or significant) and the type of intervention for which the segment is eligible.
Speeding Issue Classification | Available Interventions |
| Normal Traffic | The project is not eligible for traffic calming. Residents must wait two years before submitting a new application. |
| Mild Speeding | The project is eligible for type one traffic calming, which includes speed trailer deployment, speed limit signs (not including radar), striping, or other low-impact traffic calming. |
| Moderate Speeding | The project is eligible for type two traffic calming, which includes anything from type one or speed humps. |
| Significant Speeding and/or Other Safety Considerations (such as history of accidents and proximity to schools) | The project is eligible for type three traffic calming, which includes anything from type two or horizontal improvements including traffic calming medians, islands, chicanes, etc. |
Please note that not all interventions will be appropriate in all situations, and staff will use industry standards and engineering judgment to determine which traffic calming treatment is appropriate.
