Frequently asked questions for the West 8th Avenue Sidewalk Project
Is it possible to use a gravel trail instead of a concrete sidewalk?
A gravel trail does not meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements for a firm, stable, and slip-resistant surface. Because this is a federal requirement, the city must comply and cannot use a gravel path as an alternative to a sidewalk.
Will I still have access to my driveway during construction?
As the project progresses during construction, the project manager will coordinate with affected property owners and the contractor to minimize impacts to driveway access to the extent reasonably possible. When temporary restrictions on driveway access are necessary, the project manager will work with the contractor and property owner to provide temporary access or other reasonable accommodation, when feasible, and keep the property owner informed of anticipated access restrictions.
How will sidewalk maintenance occur after construction?
The city will repair and replace the sidewalk if it becomes damaged. The adjacent property owner will be responsible for snow removal on the sidewalk within 24 hours of the end of a snowstorm.
What width is required for this sidewalk?
Lakewood’s standard sidewalk width is a minimum of 5 feet for a detached sidewalk and 8 feet for a sidewalk attached to the curb. The city is required to comply with federal accessibility requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires a minimum 3-foot-wide path and a 5-foot-wide passing zone spaced every 200 feet. A minimum clear width of 5 feet is desired across Lakewood for new sidewalks to provide adequate space for pedestrians and cyclists, including people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices, to comfortably travel and pass one another without the need for passing zones.
An 8-foot wide attached sidewalk is needed along West 8th Avenue to provide the minimum 5-foot-wide clear pedestrian path while allowing approximately 3 feet for potential obstructions and other conditions along the curb. These conditions may include mailboxes, signs, utility infrastructure, vehicle overhangs, door swings, and snow accumulation or storage from plowing operations. While a 6-foot-wide sidewalk might initially appear sufficient, it would provide limited flexibility to maintain the desired 5-foot-wide clear pedestrian path when obstructions are present. Providing an 8-foot-wide sidewalk allows these potential obstructions to be accommodated while maintaining a continuous and accessible pedestrian route.
The additional width also provides greater separation between pedestrians and adjacent vehicle traffic, improving pedestrian comfort and safety along the corridor. An 8-foot-wide attached sidewalk is also consistent with sidewalk design practices used by several other agencies, including the Denver, Golden, Jefferson County, and guidance from the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO).
How is public input being considered?
Public input is an important part of understanding the day-to-day issues people experience along the corridor, and staff has spent time talking with the residents who live along this sidewalk route and consider their input in the design of this sidewalk. The project team welcomes input and questions through early 2027 as the preliminary design is developed by using the question tool on this project page. The team will make every effort to address this input where feasible and appropriate while considering safety, available space, project goals, budget, and applicable city, state, and federal requirements.
Will the existing bicycle lane remain on the road?
This portion of West 8th Avenue is not in the city’s Bicycle Plan as the traffic volumes do not meet the requirements for a dedicated bicycle lane. The existing striping was a temporary measure used to help separate traffic from pedestrians and will be removed during construction. The project will add a raised curb and sidewalk on the north side to help separate traffic from pedestrians. Cyclists can use the sidewalk if they choose, or they may ride on the road if they prefer.
Why is building a sidewalk along West 8th Avenue being prioritized over West 9th Avenue?
The sidewalk along the north side of West 8th Avenue provides the most direct connection between the existing sidewalk from Lakewood High School and the existing pedestrian signal crossing at Garrison Street.
What will happen with the overhead utilities?
The respective utility companies will relocate the overhead utilities underground. Each utility company will coordinate its own relocation schedule and construction process. The utility companies are required to obtain the necessary permits from the City of Lakewood for the installation of their underground utilities; however, the city does not control the timing or scheduling of utility relocation work.