Improve Wadsworth

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**View the Weekly Updates section below for the latest construction and travel impact information. **

Travel Alert

38th Avenue will remain closed east of Wadsworth Boulevard through the morning of April 8

Direct access to and from 38th Avenue east of Wadsworth Boulevard is closed through the morning of Monday, April 8. Additional time is needed to complete the planned utility crossings near 38th Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard. Two snowstorms impacted the project schedule. As the snow melts, unsuitable site conditions linger for several days.

This safety closure is necessary while the contractor places a new water line and the storm sewer system across 38th Avenue in a large trench more than 15 feet below ground.

38th Avenue is closed to all traffic between Wadsworth Boulevard and Vance Street. The signed detour route for 38th Avenue east of Wadsworth is 44th Avenue to either Pierce Street or Harlan Street. 38th Avenue business access and all side streets are open from the east side of the closure at Vance Street.

Wadsworth and 38th Avenue west of Wadsworth are open during the partial intersection closure. All eastbound 38th Avenue traffic approaching the intersection must turn north (left) or south (right) at the Wadsworth traffic signal.

Pedestrian access will be provided around the closed work area (refer to the map below). The north and east crosswalks at the 38th Avenue intersection will be closed, and signed pedestrian detours will be in place. Signalized pedestrian crossings at Yukon Court and Vance Street are also available.

Project Overview

This project includes modernizing and improving Wadsworth from 35th Avenue to I-70 with efficient and safe intersection designs, safer entrances and exits for vehicles accessing businesses, a continuous sidewalk on the west, and a bike/pedestrian path on the east side of Wadsworth from 35th Avenue to the Clear Creek Trail.

The project will construct a new safe and efficient intersection at 44th Avenue called a continuous flow intersection (CFI). The CFI makes the best use of land for maximum traffic flow, while prioritizing safety. A second CFI will be installed at 38th Avenue. The project is expected to be complete in spring 2026.

A larger version of the above project overview map is provided on this page.

A rendering of the 44th Avenue continuous flow intersection (CFI) is available for review.

Adjacent CDOT Projects

Several Colorado Department of Transportation projects are underway near the project area. Real-time construction travel alerts on state highways and I-70 are posted at cotrip.org. Visit I-70 & Harlan Street Bridge Replacement & Interchange Safety Improvements for more information on an adjacent major improvement project including ways to connect with the project team. We understand the frustration of overlapping projects. However, funding availability plays a big part in determining when projects are scheduled for construction. Wheat Ridge is thankful for the state and federal financial support and is not in a position to delay the Wadsworth construction project.

Video Update - September 2023

Additional funding is now available to construct permanent improvements at the south end of the Wadsworth corridor including the project's second CFI at 38th Avenue. 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.


**View the Weekly Updates section below for the latest construction and travel impact information. **

Travel Alert

38th Avenue will remain closed east of Wadsworth Boulevard through the morning of April 8

Direct access to and from 38th Avenue east of Wadsworth Boulevard is closed through the morning of Monday, April 8. Additional time is needed to complete the planned utility crossings near 38th Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard. Two snowstorms impacted the project schedule. As the snow melts, unsuitable site conditions linger for several days.

This safety closure is necessary while the contractor places a new water line and the storm sewer system across 38th Avenue in a large trench more than 15 feet below ground.

38th Avenue is closed to all traffic between Wadsworth Boulevard and Vance Street. The signed detour route for 38th Avenue east of Wadsworth is 44th Avenue to either Pierce Street or Harlan Street. 38th Avenue business access and all side streets are open from the east side of the closure at Vance Street.

Wadsworth and 38th Avenue west of Wadsworth are open during the partial intersection closure. All eastbound 38th Avenue traffic approaching the intersection must turn north (left) or south (right) at the Wadsworth traffic signal.

Pedestrian access will be provided around the closed work area (refer to the map below). The north and east crosswalks at the 38th Avenue intersection will be closed, and signed pedestrian detours will be in place. Signalized pedestrian crossings at Yukon Court and Vance Street are also available.

Project Overview

This project includes modernizing and improving Wadsworth from 35th Avenue to I-70 with efficient and safe intersection designs, safer entrances and exits for vehicles accessing businesses, a continuous sidewalk on the west, and a bike/pedestrian path on the east side of Wadsworth from 35th Avenue to the Clear Creek Trail.

The project will construct a new safe and efficient intersection at 44th Avenue called a continuous flow intersection (CFI). The CFI makes the best use of land for maximum traffic flow, while prioritizing safety. A second CFI will be installed at 38th Avenue. The project is expected to be complete in spring 2026.

A larger version of the above project overview map is provided on this page.

A rendering of the 44th Avenue continuous flow intersection (CFI) is available for review.

Adjacent CDOT Projects

Several Colorado Department of Transportation projects are underway near the project area. Real-time construction travel alerts on state highways and I-70 are posted at cotrip.org. Visit I-70 & Harlan Street Bridge Replacement & Interchange Safety Improvements for more information on an adjacent major improvement project including ways to connect with the project team. We understand the frustration of overlapping projects. However, funding availability plays a big part in determining when projects are scheduled for construction. Wheat Ridge is thankful for the state and federal financial support and is not in a position to delay the Wadsworth construction project.

Video Update - September 2023

Additional funding is now available to construct permanent improvements at the south end of the Wadsworth corridor including the project's second CFI at 38th Avenue. 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.


Ask Us a Question!

Ask the project team a question about the Wadsworth improvement project here. Thank you!

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    What will go through those huge concrete pipes they put in on the east side?

    GIHahn asked about 1 year ago

    This project upgrades just about all the underground utilities along the corridor. The large concrete pipes, which are about six feet in diameter, are for the new storm sewer system. Concrete manholes and inlets are also part of the conveyance system for stormwater. Thank you for the thoughtful question!

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    Will there be any changes to 47th Ave on the west side of Wadsworth? Speed bumps, etc? I can imagine that the work on Wadsworth will only increase traffic on this road as an alternative to going west at 44th Ave. Thanks!

    Sarah R asked over 2 years ago

    During construction, the contractor for the Wadsworth Improvement project is required to keep two lanes open in each direction except for periodic northbound single lane closures during off-peak travel times, and occasional night work. However, even with the same number of lanes open on Wadsworth, we recognize that neighborhoods may be impacted by drivers avoiding the project area.

    Wheat Ridge Police and Public Works Departments are working with the construction team to address those impacts through proactive community outreach and notification, good signage, strategic placement of speed feedback boards, and increased traffic patrols. Traffic speed and volumes will be monitored on streets with potential traffic concerns. In the case of 47th Avenue, traffic data was collected before construction began so that we can compare that data with any changes that occur during construction. 

    Anyone with neighborhood traffic concerns can call the construction project team at 303-390-0878 or email WadsworthProject@ci.wheatridge.co.us and we will review on a case-by-case basis. If initial actions are not effective, additional temporary traffic calming measures may be considered.


     

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    Can the public see live feeds of construction thru online cameras?

    Jimjam68 asked over 2 years ago

    Thanks for your question. CDOT has not placed traffic cameras on Wadsworth; however, to receive regular updates on the project subscribe to traffic alerts on the City website.

    Schedule and traffic impact information will also be updated weekly on the City's web home page at ci.wheatridge.co.us and any community concerns may be directed to the project hotline at 303-390-0878 or email wadsworthproject@ci.wheatridge.co.us

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    What will happen to parking for the businesses such as Salsa's, the Barbershop and the accounting firm at the SW corner of 44th & Wadsworth? It appears they will be losing all of their parking and the new public sidewalk will be up against the buildings. Will they be provided any financial assistance to create alternative entrances?

    Jim asked over 2 years ago

    Thank you for your question.

    Some businesses at the southeast corner of 44th and Wadsworth will lose parking in front of their buildings due to the improvements to adjacent streets. There is sufficient parking behind these buildings to accommodate customer and employee parking. All property owners were compensated for any property that was acquired for the project. Additionally, they were compensated for any improvements such as parking within the purchased property. City staff has met with a number of impacted property owners to help determine ideas for improving parking areas and walkways using some of the funds they were paid for their property to ensure the access points are attractive and safe for customers. Part of the improvement project is to add connecting sidewalks and landscaped areas so that the road does not directly abut adjacent businesses. This will improve connectivity and safety along the corridor.

    Again, thank you for your thoughtful question.

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    Given that there will not be an access point from 48th on the east-side of Wadsworth to the sidewalk/bike trail, how as the city considered access to the trail by those who live nearest the path, east of Wadsworth and north of 44th? Are there plans to build a bike trail or side path on 44th to access the facilities on Wadsworth? Due to the layout of 45th and 46th in that neighborhood, which do not go through, it seems access to the trail could be more difficult than it is currently.

    jordanland asked over 2 years ago

    The closest access to the Clear Creek Trail for bikes/pedestrians from the Leppla Manor neighborhood is the Otis Street Trailhead. Until a direct bike/ped connection is made at the 48th cul-de-sac with the Wadsworth Improvement construction, this neighborhood will be able to access the new multi-use path along the east side of Wadsworth thru the local street network in the neighborhood on either 45th Avenue, 45th Place, or 46th Avenue, which are all low volume, low speed local streets.

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    With 48th on the east-side of Wadsworth being terminated as a cul de sac, will there be access to the sidepath/bike trail on the east-side of Wadsworth from 48th? This would be beneficial to all in the neighborhood on the east-side of Wads.

    jordanland asked over 2 years ago

    There is currently an elevation difference between the cul-de-sac and the adjacent sidewalk that would require significant changes in order to connect the two. However, once the Wadsworth Improvement project is complete, the City will explore options for connecting the cul-de-sac to the sidewalk.

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    Who is the General Contractor for the project? Was the delivery method Design-Build ?

    andesmints asked over 2 years ago

    Thank you for your great questions! The City is still working through the bid evaluation process for this project and the general contractor has not yet been announced. We hope to announce the name of the general contractor in August. The delivery method was not design-build, but design-bid-build. The designs have been completed with thorough Federal Highway Administration and Colorado Department of Transportation review.

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    Will crosswalks be improved to prioritize pedestrians? Current signaling requires pedestrians wait for through traffic and turning vehicles. Pedestrians have to wait for a whole cycle before a signal to cross. The crosswalk signaling should be longer to ensure pedestrians of all ability can safely cross. How will pedestrians be prioritized?

    apesno asked over 3 years ago

    One of the priorities of the improvements being made to Wadsworth is pedestrian safety. In addition to a continuous sidewalk on the west and a bike/pedestrian path on the east side of Wadsworth, new signaling will be added at the intersections of 38th and 44th. These are being configured as Continuous Flow Intersections which means the signals will have fewer phases and therefore there will be shorter waiting times for pedestrians. In addition, CDOT will need to reestablish the timing due to the creation of new intersections. (Wadsworth is a CDOT roadway so they control the traffic signals)

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    Will there be any pedestrian crossing points on Wadsworth between 44th Ave and the Clear Creek Trail?

    Alex asked over 3 years ago
    Hi Alex! Thank you for your question. No - a pedestrian crossing north of 44th Avenue is not included in the scope of work for this project. This is because the existing development north of 44th Avenue does not reach the density to justify a pedestrian crossing. I hope this answers your question. Please let us know if we can provide any further clarification.

    Allison Scheck

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    When waiting in the CFI lane to turn left, will there be a left turn arrow to give right of way to turn in front of right turning vehicles in oncoming traffic?

    Ulani asked about 4 years ago

    Good question and will try to clarify for you. While cars traveling south and north are stopped at the 38th intersection, cars wanting to turn left or west have been held at the traffic light at 35th Place. Once traffic stopped, they begin to move across the south and northbound lanes and into the turn lanes. Now once east and westbound traffic is stopped, cars turning onto 38th can move safely through those intersections. Vehicles turning right will have their own dedicated lane. Using the CFI there are fewer points of conflict than traditional intersections where there are T-bone crashes often resulting in serious injury or fatalities. You can also see how this works in the video we included with the question about whether CFIs are easy to use.







Page last updated: 28 Mar 2024, 07:46 AM