Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) is actively seeking public input on proposed road improvements aimed at enhancing safety in the Globeville and Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods. This initiative comes in response to community concerns regarding speeding, heavy traffic, and unsafe pedestrian crossings in the area.
Residents have specifically highlighted issues on key streets, including Lincoln, East 45th Avenue, Clayton, and Steele streets. “Speeds are really correlated with how severe crashes are if a crash happens,” stated Paige Colton, a senior planner at DOTI. “The goal is to reduce speeds, as community feedback indicates that residents do not feel safe or comfortable where drivers are exceeding safe limits.”
Proposed Safety Enhancements
In response to the concerns raised, DOTI has analyzed speed data and identified several potential improvements. These include the installation of speed humps, curb extensions, enhanced pedestrian crossings, additional bus stops, and dedicated bike lanes. Furthermore, there is a proposal to limit the volume of through traffic in specific residential areas.
To gather community feedback effectively, DOTI is conducting an online survey, which will remain open until July 21, 2023. Additionally, the department will host a public open house, providing residents with the opportunity to view proposed safety improvements and engage in discussions with planners. Colton emphasized the interactive nature of the open house, stating, “We will have large maps where residents can identify their streets and discuss the suggested improvements directly with us.”
Timeline for Implementation
Pending community feedback and approval, the implementation of the approved safety measures is scheduled to commence in 2027. This timeline reflects DOTI’s commitment to ensuring that the necessary enhancements address the community’s concerns while improving overall safety for all road users.
As Denver continues to develop its infrastructure, the involvement of local residents remains essential. Their insights will play a crucial role in shaping the future of road safety in Globeville and Elyria-Swansea.
