Athmar Park

South Federal Blvd Re-Constructions Planned

Oct 12, 2004

by Karen Cuthbertson with information provided
by CDOT, DRCOG, and the City of Denver

You've seen the repaving of South Federal Boulevard, from Alameda to Louisiana. However, far beyond simply repaving, S. Federal Blvd, from 6th Avenue to Alameda, and from Louisiana to Jewell will look very different by the end of 2008 as there are two Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) projects being planned to improve Federal.

One project, the Louisiana to Jewell TIP, is a reconstruction project intended to widen S. Federal by about 10 feet and to reconstruct the existing roadway with concrete pavement. No additional lanes will be added; so businesses are not likely to be displaced. In addition to lane widening, this TIP project will repair/replace sidewalk as necessary, construct new pedestrian ramps, and provide video detection at signalized inter-connections. While a barrier median is not in the current plan, there have been requests to add this feature. Construction is slated to start in 2006, with completion scheduled for 2007.

For the second project, the 6th to Alameda TIP, CDOT is starting a study to evaluate widening solutions. This part of S. Federal Blvd is narrower than current highway standards for 6 lanes. The final configuration will provide for proper lane widths, add one new lane to provide a third lane in the northbound direction, provide signal activation for bicycles, construct bus stop improvements and a barrier median in the middle of Federal.

Once the study and roadway design identifies the best final placement of the east and west curbs, CDOT must get environmental clearances and acquire the right-of-way (much of which is currently occupied by businesses and a few residences). Construction is scheduled to begin in 2006, with completion scheduled for 2008.

Both these TIP projects are funded by Federal and Local governments.

Obviously, these projects will mean that large portions of Federal Boulevard will be a significantly impaired for several years to come. Those of us who live near Federal will be need to be patient; both with the noise, dust, and debris that this construction will generate, and with the increased traffic through our neighborhood as folks use side streets to detour around the construction. APNA will work closely with project personnel and with city government and police to minimize impacts to Athmar Park residents, but - realistically - there will be frustrations and delays. But, just keep in mind how beautiful and clean, and how much safer the final product will be!!