Department of Public Works
Reference: 120th Avenue Corridor Update - Multimodal Study and Assessment
To: Mayor Gregory Mills and Members of City Council
Through: Michael P. Martinez City Manager
Prepared By: Greg Labrie, Director of Public Works
Date Prepared: January 28, 2024
PURPOSE
To provide an update on the 120th Avenue Corridor regarding the multimodal study, evaluation, and planning, along with current grant applications and the progression between the multi-jurisdictional partnership.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
The segment of 120th Avenue from Tower Road to US 85 is a multi-jurisdictional owned roadway surrounded by parcels of land and development within the City of Brighton, Commerce City, and Adams County. Currently, the segment west of Sable Blvd is owned by Adams County and outer portions are owned by the City of Brighton. East of Sable Blvd, the transportation corridor is owned by Adams County and Commerce City. With several developments, additional traffic, and connectivity to other key corridors, this regional arterial has been identified as a “need for improvements” since the turn of the century. The initial focus has been on obtaining an interchange at 120th Avenue and US 85, where progress has been made with initial engineering designs, right-of-way acquisition and preservation, along with the submission of several grants. As development progressed, the segment from US 85 to Tower Road was evaluated in preparation for strategic construction initiatives and grant funding eligibility.
Over the last few decades, partial improvements have been completed by developments, with additional developments planning to continue to make improvements, along with the addition of a major bridge structure to add additional lanes eastbound. Several intersections need to be signalized, and additional auxiliary and turn lanes added, in addition to multimodal improvements. The overall intended width of the roadway and associated facilities is planned to be approximately 140 feet wide, encompassing a shared used path, off-street cycle tracks, bus stop facilities, three travel lanes in each direction, and accompanying turn lanes. Intersections are planned to be pedestrian and multimodal-focused. The future may entail the accommodation of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane for public transit opportunities. An example of the BRT is currently being deployed along the State Highway 7 corridor from Brighton to Boulder.
The study involved several public meetings, a technical advisory committee with representatives from all jurisdictions and key stakeholders, an evaluation of existing traffic and crash data, existing and future land use, alternative analysis, and overall conceptual drawings.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
No financial impact for the current updates and planning phase. Future grant funding or development reimbursement agreements will require allocations.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Obtain input from the City Council regarding the current planning phase, receive feedback regarding current project status, and answer other corridor questions.
Attachments:
Ø Presentation