Reason for the project

West 8th Avenue currently has significant gaps in the sidewalk network. Of the approximately 1,600-foot-long corridor, only 250 feet has sidewalk, which is a narrow 2.5-foot-wide sidewalk along the north side of West 8th. Students who walk or bike to school must use a narrow section of the roadway or shoulder to travel along the corridor to get to and from school.

Constructing a sidewalk along West 8th Avenue will provide a safer, more accessible connection to Lakewood High School, allowing students and other pedestrians to use the existing rapid flashing beacon to cross Garrison Street safely and provide a more direct route to the school.

The city prioritized this project through its evaluation of potential sidewalk projects throughout Lakewood. The evaluation considered gaps in the existing sidewalk network, proximity to schools, and the availability of city right of way for the sidewalk. These factors identified this section of West 8th as a high-priority location for improving pedestrian connectivity and accessibility.