Frequently Asked Questions

Construction is phased to make the best use of resources and meet critical path deadlines. Many work activities are ongoing throughout the entire corridor.

There are multiple reasons why construction is phased, including requirements to maintain business access, side street access and two through lanes in each direction of Wadsworth during peak travel times. You may notice periods of inactivity in certain areas after concrete is placed. Concrete cure time is built into the schedule. In some cases, traffic needs to be shifted to provide access to specific work zones.

During project development, experts in roadway construction determined a reasonable duration for the project. The project remains on schedule for substantial completion this year. Two new continuous flow intersections (CFIs) are expected to open this fall. Finishing work will continue in various locations along the corridor, which is typical as the project nears completion.

In December 2024, traffic signal mast arms and equipment were placed over Wadsworth Boulevard. In many cases, the signal heads are bagged and not in operation. The project constructs continuous flow intersection (CFI) intersections at 38th and 44th Avenue. Each CFI intersection requires two crossover signals, which allow traffic turning left to cross oncoming traffic safely, in addition to the main signalized intersection. Although there are more signals along the corridor, CFI traffic signals are synchronized to move traffic more efficiently than traditional intersections. Answers to frequently asked questions about CFIs and a map of the project that shows traffic signal locations are available on https://whatsupwheatridge.com/improve-wadsworth.

The project also installs a new traffic signal at 41st Avenue. The signal at 3 Acre Lane (north of 41st Avenue) was removed as part of the project.

Traffic signals will also provide protected pedestrian crossings at frequent intervals along the Wadsworth corridor.

Yes. By following lane markings, signage, and other cars, drivers will intuitively know where to go to make a left hand turn as they drive along Wadsworth Boulevard.

Yes. Snow removal in CFI lanes does not pose any greater concern than traditional intersections. As with all state highways, the City and CDOT will work collaboratively to ensure the improved Wadsworth Boulevard, including CFI lanes, is plowed during a snowstorm. While a final determination has not yet been made, it is quite likely that City staff will take responsibility for plowing the CFI lanes on Wadsworth Boulevard.

No. Our CFI design will move cars more efficiently and take up less space than a traditional intersection with two left turn lanes. This means the City will purchase less property at 38th and 44th avenues than would have been necessary with traditional intersections at these locations.

Yes. From 2014 to 2020, members of the project team conducted more than 30 public meetings plus "block by block" meetings with businesses to create the final design. The final design took into account the input of the public, businesses, neighbors, and Wheat Ridge voters who supported improvements to Wadsworth in the 2016 election. It balances that input with state and federal requirements, which apply to this state highway, in order to fully fund the project.

Additional funding became available to construct permanent improvements at the south end of the Wadsworth corridor including the project's second CFI at 38th Avenue, and the project schedule extended as a result. Completing the full project now will save money, eliminate the need for temporary work, and prevent having to come back in future years to make the ultimate improvement at the south end of the corridor. The project is now slated to be complete in spring of 2026. A video update is available below.

The final design promotes safe access to businesses along Wadsworth with the addition of medians and new traffic signals. While left turns may be limited for safety in some areas of the corridor by the medians, safe signalized left turns will be allowed into major shopping centers at 36th, 39th, 41st, 43rd and 45th Avenues. Cyclists and pedestrians also have greater access to businesses from the new sidewalks that will run the length of Wadsworth from 35th Avenue to the Clear Creek Trail.

The project includes:

New sidewalk along the west side of Wadsworth and a continuous multi-use path along the east side. The new sidewalks will be at least eight feet wide in all but one location and will be separated from the street by either an eight-foot landscape zone or a narrower paved section.

New direct connections to Johnson Park and the Clear Creek Trail. More information is provided under the ‘Will this project improve access to the Clear Creek Trail?’ FAQ.

Raised crosswalks across right-turn lanes at several locations. At intersections where the right-turn lane is separated from other lanes by a concrete island, a raised crosswalk is included to slow drivers down. Raised crosswalks will be constructed at the northwest and southeast corners of the 44th Avenue intersection and the northwest corner of 38th Avenue intersection.

Consolidating driveways to reduce potential conflicts. The project will improve access control along the corridor. Pedestrians and cyclists will benefit from fewer driveway crossings. In addition, major driveway crossings will be set back from the street and striped with crosswalk markings to help increase safety.

Pedestrian lighting. The project includes pedestrian lighting along sidewalks and paths for safety and to increase visibility at driveways and street crossings.

Yes! New direct connections to Johnson Park and the Clear Creek Trail will be constructed. A new eight-foot wide sidewalk will be built on the west side of Wadsworth between 48th Avenue and the driveway to Johnson Park. This section of sidewalk will be higher than the adjacent travel lanes and increases safety for pedestrians.

A new multi-use path will be constructed along the east side of Wadsworth connecting directly to Clear Creek Trail. The path will be separated from vehicle traffic by either a four-feet landscape zone or bridge railing. Sidewalk and path improvements are designed to increase accessibility for all users.

Yes. RTD Rider Alerts provide the latest bus stop closure information.

While most of the bus stops along Wadsworth Boulevard, 38th Avenue and 44th Avenue will be reconstructed in approximately the same location as before the project, there are a few changes to note. Bus stops on Wadsworth at the continuous flow intersections (38th and 44th avenues) will move to near-side locations prior to the traffic signal.

The tall wall under construction along northbound Wadsworth between 35th and 36th avenues is a sound wall. 

Wheat Ridge received almost $44 million in federal funding for this project. As part of the federal process, potential impacts were analyzed during the environmental phase, which was complete in fall 2019. A noise analysis was conducted for several multi-family properties that were either existing or under development. If analysis showed that any receptors, i.e. residents, were impacted, then the feasibility and reasonableness of noise mitigation was analyzed. Eligible properties were given the option to have a sound wall installed if it would provide a measurable benefit. Of all the properties that were asked, only Morningside Apartments chose to have a wall installed, so this will be the only noise wall constructed. The noise analysis indicated that a 20-foot wall was needed to provide the necessary benefit to the apartment complex east of Wadsworth north of 35th Avenue. CDOT Noise Analysis and Abatement Guidelines further explains the city's role and when noise mitigation is considered for transportation projects.

In order to mitigate the visual impact of the sound wall, public art will be included on the wall.

Several commissioned art pieces will be installed as part of the project. All funding for the art installation has already been encumbered. The city and the Wheat Ridge Cultural Commission advertised a call to artists in 2022. The proposal by JCAS Studio, a collaboration of local artists, was approved by the City Council on Nov. 14, 2022. A detailed presentation given at City Council highlights the artist selection process.