Environmental Assessment

In April 2016, the City of Wheat Ridge initiated an Environmental Assessment (EA) for improvements to Wadsworth Boulevard. The study has reviewed environmental impacts associated with transportation improvements planned for Wadsworth between 35th Avenue and I-70. 

The EA was part of Wheat Ridge’s project to prepare for improvements to Wadsworth Boulevard, with construction projected to being in 2020. This work builds off of a Planning and Environmental Linkage study for Wadsworth that was completed in 2015 with input from the community. The major components of the proposed project are to reconstruct the street to a 6-lane section; provide better bicycle, pedestrian, and transit facilites; manage driveway access to the street; and provide enhanced amenity zones along the corridor, particularty in the City Center section between W. 38th and W. 44th Avenues. 

The Proposed Action

  • Adds a third 11-foot lane in both directions with a raised center median from 35th Avenue to I-70.
  • Reconfigures intersections
  • Consolidates access points and driveways
  • Includes continuous sidewalks on the west and a multiuse path on the east - both separated from the roadway by an amenity zone (buffer)

A Continuous Flow Intersection (CFI) design was selected for both 38th and 44th Avenues to 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 in Loveland, and will soon be built in both Douglas and Arapahoe counties. 

Alternatives Evaluation

Based on the evaluation, the Minimal CFI Alternative was determined to best respond to the project needs and was recommended as the Proposed Action to be reviewed. This alternative had more corridor throughput, better intersection Level of Service (LOS), reduced right-of-way impacts, and comparable crossing features for pedestrians and bicycles. 

The Minimal CFI Alternative was futher refined by evaluating options for pedestrian and bicycle facilities, bus stop enhancements, and traffic signals. IN addition, a value engineering process evaluated options for cost savings (right-of-way, construction, and maintenance), responsiveness to purpose and need, constructability, and public input and concerns.

This Proposed Action was selected as the most reasonable alternative that meets the purpose and need of the project while minimizing environmental, social, and economic impacts.

A public open house to discuss the EA was held on May 22, 2019. Materials presented include:

View the EA documents here.