Pedestrian safety project to impact travel on Federal Boulevard

DENVER — The City of Denver is working on a pedestrian safety improvement project that will affect travel routes on Federal Boulevard starting Tuesday.

Earlier this week, Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure sent out a release announcing the start of this project, which it is working on with contractor Concrete Express.

According to the release, the project is focusing on building “a safer environment for pedestrians crossing the stretch and accessing local business destinations.”

Between Tuesday, Nov. 14 and Friday, Dec. 1, there will be changes to travel routes in the area from West 23rd Avenue to West 27th Avenue. The department said crews will move both northbound and southbound travel onto the west side of the roadway to install stormwater pipes on the opposite side of the road.

Additionally, the department said temporary sidewalk closures might be necessary during the course of the project. More detailed information about travel impacts relating to the project can be found here. 

The project will make the following improvements to the area, per the release:

• Upgrade the pedestrian ramps on Federal Boulevard at West 25th and West 26th Avenues.
• Add concrete bulb-outs at multiple corners in the area to shorten pedestrian crossing distances and slow vehicle turns.
• Install a HAWK signal on Federal Boulevard at West 25th Avenue. People on foot and on bikes can activate the HAWK signal to stop vehicles traveling on Federal to cross the street more easily and safely.
• Transform West 25th Avenue from Federal Boulevard to Eliot Street into a more pedestrian-friendly street with a narrowed and curved design to slow vehicle speeds (known as a chicane); install green infrastructure on this block to provide water quality and natural plantings to beautify and cool the environment.
• Upgrade the stormwater infrastructure at West 25th and West 26th Avenues and on Eliot Street to improve drainage and reduce flood risks.

The department said it expects the project to be done by fall of 2024.

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