Lakewood to Invest $12.5 in West Colfax Avenue

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LAKEWOOD, Colo. (Jan. 20, 2021) – After years of collaboration among city departments and community stakeholders, the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) awarded a $10 million grant to the City of Lakewood to implement West Colfax Avenue safety and beautification improvements. Lakewood pledged $2+ million in matching funds, making this a $12.5 million investment in the future of this historic corridor. This project is one of 30 others funded in the metro area by $58.9 million in grants as part of State of Colorado’s Safer Main Streets Initiative.

This project, between Sheridan and Wadsworth on West Colfax, will be completed by the end of 2024 and is proposed to include:

  • Repurposing the outside lane to pedestrian use, with a comprehensive evaluation of the best redesign of the space to improve safety for all users.

  • Transportation infrastructure and technology elements to improve safety.

  • More lighting, landscaping, art, and other placemaking elements to buffer sidewalks from vehicles.

  • Improvements to sidewalks, accessibility ramps and enhancements to bus stops for safer, faster unloading, and brighter, more attractive waiting areas. 

  • More directional and informational signage for pedestrian and motorists.

Citizen are encouraged to participate in the public process and give their input through the project website at https://www.lakewoodtogether.org/westcolfax.

“Congratulation to everyone involved in this big “win” for our City and corridor!” said Bill Marino, who heads up the local business improvement district and chairs 40 West Arts District. “This major safety, infrastructure, and placemaking project will make West Colfax a much safer and more appealing destination, helping to attract more patrons to our local businesses and arts district and adding to the overall experience for visitors and residents. It’s a real game-changer!”

Lakewood’s grant application was selected by DRCOG and CDOT to address pedestrian and traffic issues along West Colfax Avenue. Data showed that this corridor, between Wadsworth and Sheridan, is the most dangerous roadway in Lakewood when it comes to traffic and pedestrian incidents. This section of West Colfax has the highest concentration of traffic injuries and deaths in the City of Lakewood. In the six-year period between June 2014 and June 2020, there were 312 serious injuries and eight fatalities along this 1.5 mile stretch of road. Eighty-one of the serious injuries and 6 of the deaths were pedestrians or cyclists.

All of City Council was aware of this grant application because the City needed to commit to $2+ million in matching fund as part of the proposed grant award, making this a $12 million safety and street improvement project.  Because of the dire need, Ward 2 City Councilors Jacob LaBure, who represents  Lakewood on Denver Regional Council of Governments, and Sharon Vincent made a special appeal in writing to staff to apply for Safer Main Streets grant.

Stay tuned in to West Colfax on social media and the monthly e-newsletter for future updates. Attend monthly WCCA’s. More info at https://WestColfax.org.

 

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Bill Marino, Executive Director, Lakewood W. Colfax BID - 720.530.6051
wpm@GoWestColfax.org | https://GoWestColfax.org

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