Lakewood West Colfax Safety Project

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Current Project Information

The West Colfax Safety Project is moving closer to initiating project construction in 2024. To efficiently construct the project, a two phased approach for project design completion and construction is being implemented. Phase 1 includes construction of the Colfax Avenue medians and associated elements. Phase 2 includes construction of the curbside and street edge treatment.

Check the monthly updates on the right for more information.

Phase 1:

This project phase includes final design, Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) approvals and environmental clearances, and construction of the West Colfax median improvements. Project elements include a more continuous center median, roadway lighting, utility design and coordination, landscaping, irrigation system, and pedestrian 'Z' crossings mid-block between signalized intersections. The Z crossings will create designated areas for pedestrians to cross Colfax and make those crossings more predictable for motorists while providing greater protection for pedestrians. Construction of this phase is expected to be initiated in the first quarter of 2024.

Phase 2:

This project phase will include final design, CDOT approvals and environmental clearances, and construction. Project elements associated with this phase include curbside improvements focused on repurposing the outside traffic lane for pedestrian use from Sheridan Boulevard to Teller Street. This phase will also include installing continuous sidewalks along this segment of the street. Other improvements will include access management, a new traffic signal and pedestrian hybrid beacons at Z-crossings, utility design, new bus lane pullouts, pedestrian lighting, a pedestrian detection system, storm water system improvements, landscaping, placemaking elements, and public art. Construction of Phase 2 is expected to begin in mid-to-late 2024. Upon completion of Phase 2, the Colfax Safety Project will be complete.


Project Background

The West Colfax Safety Project is an opportunity to create a safer and more comfortable experience for pedestrians, transit users, and motorists along the iconic West Colfax Avenue in Lakewood, between Sheridan boulevard and Teller street. This segment of West Colfax has the highest concentration of traffic injuries and deaths in Lakewood; in a five-year period ending in 2019, there were six deaths, and in last two years, there have been an additional four deaths, bringing the total number of fatalities to 10.

Lakewood initiated efforts in 2017 to better understand safety issues along the corridor. In December 2020, Lakewood was awarded a $10 million grant from Colorado’s Safer Main Streets Initiative with support of a Lakewood City Council approved $2.5 million local match to advance the design and construction of improvements along West Colfax. This project, in fact, received the largest amount awarded under the program.

In mid-2021 Lakewood sought feedback from residents, business owners, transit users, and all who travel this section of West Colfax Avenue to help shape the future vision for the corridor and identify needed safety improvements. Community input clearly identified the three top priorities of improving safety, creating a vibrant community asset that incorporates art, and minimizing impacts during construction.

In December 2021 the detailed design phase began. The final design will seek to repurpose an underutilized travel lane to provide safe sidewalks comfortable for anyone regardless of physical abilities, to guide pedestrians to specially designated safe road crossings, to decrease the number of vehicle access points to Colfax in order to minimize conflict along the corridor, to improve roadway and pedestrian lighting, and to implement a pedestrian entry warning system that will be developed specifically for West Colfax to warn drivers of jaywalking pedestrians.

Public Participation Process

The community and stakeholders will continue to be involved to help us create a safer and more comfortable experience for pedestrians, transit users, and motorists on Colfax between Sheridan and Teller Street.

With a total of over 800 selections by residents and stakeholders the project team has heard your priorities of how art should be incorporated into the project. The visual preference summary document highlights what we heard from residents and stakeholders. The artist workshop summary provide a summary of what we heard from participants.

Past Events

  • On March 9, 2022, the West Colfax Safety project team attended the 40 West Summit hosted at WestFax Brewing. Hosted by 40 West Arts, the summit is an annual event for the community to network and provide the district feedback about goals, their mission, initiatives, and more for 2022. It was also an opportunity for the community to provide initial opinions about how artwork can be incorporated along the project corridor to improve safety. The project team was also available to answer questions about the project. A summary of the feedback received can be found under important documents.
  • On March 31, 2022, a group of approximately 20 artists joined the project team to brainstorm how art can be incorporated along the project corridor to improve safety. The artists gathered around project maps to discuss, collaborate, draw, and present ideas. A summary of the event can be found under important documents.
  • On April 15, 2022, the project team attended the Benefits In Action cleanup day along the West Colfax corridor. The team presented about the project and got feedback from the approximately 60 students from McLain High School.
  • During the late-afternoon of April 26, 2022, the project team set up a pop-up event at the Lamar Station. The pop-up event sought to get feedback from transit users and local community members using the paved multi-use path.
  • On May 6, 2022, the project team joined 40 West for the First Friday Art Walk. Community members were able to speak with the project team, ask questions, and provide input about art along the project corridor.
  • On May 18, 2022, the project team presented at the Ward 2 Councilor Meeting. The team provide a project update and answered questions from attendees.
  • During the week of May 23, 2022, the project team held a series of four property owner and business owner meetings. Each meet was hybrid, with the option to attend in-person or via zoom, and the same content was presented at each meeting. The presentation included information about each design element intended to help achieve the project goal of improving safety for vehicles, pedestrians, and transit users.
  • On June 7, 2022, the project team walked the project corridor and spoke to each business along West Colfax between Sheridan boulevard and Teller street. Each business was provided a postcard, in English and Spanish, that provided high-level project information and encouraged them to attend virtual office hours to ask specific questions.
  • Virtual office hours were held on June 15 and 20, 2022. All businesses along the corridor were invited to attend and speak directly with project team members. A Spanish speaking project team member attended on both days for those who preferred to speak Spanish.
  • On June 23, 2022, a second artist workshop was held. Participates were members of the Equity in the Arts Committee and the event focused on identifying ways the future corridor design can represent the diversity of communities that live on or near the project corridor.

Safety data

Data and planning efforts demonstrate that it is imperative to improve the safety for everyone walking, using transit and driving along West Colfax.

    • 75% of survey respondents felt unsafe walking on Colfax and 33% of respondents felt unsafe driving on Colfax.
    • West Colfax from Sheridan to Wadsworth has the highest number of vehicle vs. pedestrian collisions in the city, resulting in a significant number of pedestrian fatalities. Lakewood Transportation Engineering identified 820 total crashes in this 1.5 mile segment from January 2015 to December 2019. These crashes have caused 283 serious injuries and six fatalities.
    • Ninety-eight of the crashes involved a pedestrian or cyclist. Of the 98 crashes, 74 resulted in serious injuries and five resulted in death. These statistics indicate that a crash occurred every other day in the project area.
    • The Lakewood Police Department has identified West Colfax as a high priority area for addressing pedestrian safety.
    • The West Colfax Vision 2040 Action Plan, developed in consultation with the community, contains goals for West Colfax Avenue over the next 20 years. These goals include exploring ways to build attractive and safe pedestrian infrastructure along West Colfax and identifying critical pedestrian connections and crossings as well as intersection improvements. The 40 West Arts District Urban Design and Mobility Concepts also addressed these needs.

Project components

This project will create consistent sidewalks through repurposing the outside lanes of traffic; add designated pedestrian crossings in specific locations; establish pullouts for buses and provide bus stop amenities; improve street lighting for safety; and enhance driver safety by increasing sight-distances, reducing conflicts with turning vehicles, updating intersection traffic signals and lengthening turn lanes – all of which will improve safety for everyone while reducing driving stress.

Working with partners

In addition to working with CDOT, the city's key partners on the project include the Lakewood-West Colfax Business Improvement District, the Regional Transportation District, the organizations that supported the Safe Main Streets grant application, businesses and community members.

Lakewood is providing matching funds for the project, creating the opportunity to build a safer and better functioning West Colfax that will also be an asset to the community and local businesses.

Project area

The project area includes West Colfax from Sheridan to Teller Street. This segment is home to a wealth of commercial, transit, art and cultural destinations in Lakewood.

Current Project Information

The West Colfax Safety Project is moving closer to initiating project construction in 2024. To efficiently construct the project, a two phased approach for project design completion and construction is being implemented. Phase 1 includes construction of the Colfax Avenue medians and associated elements. Phase 2 includes construction of the curbside and street edge treatment.

Check the monthly updates on the right for more information.

Phase 1:

This project phase includes final design, Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) approvals and environmental clearances, and construction of the West Colfax median improvements. Project elements include a more continuous center median, roadway lighting, utility design and coordination, landscaping, irrigation system, and pedestrian 'Z' crossings mid-block between signalized intersections. The Z crossings will create designated areas for pedestrians to cross Colfax and make those crossings more predictable for motorists while providing greater protection for pedestrians. Construction of this phase is expected to be initiated in the first quarter of 2024.

Phase 2:

This project phase will include final design, CDOT approvals and environmental clearances, and construction. Project elements associated with this phase include curbside improvements focused on repurposing the outside traffic lane for pedestrian use from Sheridan Boulevard to Teller Street. This phase will also include installing continuous sidewalks along this segment of the street. Other improvements will include access management, a new traffic signal and pedestrian hybrid beacons at Z-crossings, utility design, new bus lane pullouts, pedestrian lighting, a pedestrian detection system, storm water system improvements, landscaping, placemaking elements, and public art. Construction of Phase 2 is expected to begin in mid-to-late 2024. Upon completion of Phase 2, the Colfax Safety Project will be complete.


Project Background

The West Colfax Safety Project is an opportunity to create a safer and more comfortable experience for pedestrians, transit users, and motorists along the iconic West Colfax Avenue in Lakewood, between Sheridan boulevard and Teller street. This segment of West Colfax has the highest concentration of traffic injuries and deaths in Lakewood; in a five-year period ending in 2019, there were six deaths, and in last two years, there have been an additional four deaths, bringing the total number of fatalities to 10.

Lakewood initiated efforts in 2017 to better understand safety issues along the corridor. In December 2020, Lakewood was awarded a $10 million grant from Colorado’s Safer Main Streets Initiative with support of a Lakewood City Council approved $2.5 million local match to advance the design and construction of improvements along West Colfax. This project, in fact, received the largest amount awarded under the program.

In mid-2021 Lakewood sought feedback from residents, business owners, transit users, and all who travel this section of West Colfax Avenue to help shape the future vision for the corridor and identify needed safety improvements. Community input clearly identified the three top priorities of improving safety, creating a vibrant community asset that incorporates art, and minimizing impacts during construction.

In December 2021 the detailed design phase began. The final design will seek to repurpose an underutilized travel lane to provide safe sidewalks comfortable for anyone regardless of physical abilities, to guide pedestrians to specially designated safe road crossings, to decrease the number of vehicle access points to Colfax in order to minimize conflict along the corridor, to improve roadway and pedestrian lighting, and to implement a pedestrian entry warning system that will be developed specifically for West Colfax to warn drivers of jaywalking pedestrians.

Public Participation Process

The community and stakeholders will continue to be involved to help us create a safer and more comfortable experience for pedestrians, transit users, and motorists on Colfax between Sheridan and Teller Street.

With a total of over 800 selections by residents and stakeholders the project team has heard your priorities of how art should be incorporated into the project. The visual preference summary document highlights what we heard from residents and stakeholders. The artist workshop summary provide a summary of what we heard from participants.

Past Events

  • On March 9, 2022, the West Colfax Safety project team attended the 40 West Summit hosted at WestFax Brewing. Hosted by 40 West Arts, the summit is an annual event for the community to network and provide the district feedback about goals, their mission, initiatives, and more for 2022. It was also an opportunity for the community to provide initial opinions about how artwork can be incorporated along the project corridor to improve safety. The project team was also available to answer questions about the project. A summary of the feedback received can be found under important documents.
  • On March 31, 2022, a group of approximately 20 artists joined the project team to brainstorm how art can be incorporated along the project corridor to improve safety. The artists gathered around project maps to discuss, collaborate, draw, and present ideas. A summary of the event can be found under important documents.
  • On April 15, 2022, the project team attended the Benefits In Action cleanup day along the West Colfax corridor. The team presented about the project and got feedback from the approximately 60 students from McLain High School.
  • During the late-afternoon of April 26, 2022, the project team set up a pop-up event at the Lamar Station. The pop-up event sought to get feedback from transit users and local community members using the paved multi-use path.
  • On May 6, 2022, the project team joined 40 West for the First Friday Art Walk. Community members were able to speak with the project team, ask questions, and provide input about art along the project corridor.
  • On May 18, 2022, the project team presented at the Ward 2 Councilor Meeting. The team provide a project update and answered questions from attendees.
  • During the week of May 23, 2022, the project team held a series of four property owner and business owner meetings. Each meet was hybrid, with the option to attend in-person or via zoom, and the same content was presented at each meeting. The presentation included information about each design element intended to help achieve the project goal of improving safety for vehicles, pedestrians, and transit users.
  • On June 7, 2022, the project team walked the project corridor and spoke to each business along West Colfax between Sheridan boulevard and Teller street. Each business was provided a postcard, in English and Spanish, that provided high-level project information and encouraged them to attend virtual office hours to ask specific questions.
  • Virtual office hours were held on June 15 and 20, 2022. All businesses along the corridor were invited to attend and speak directly with project team members. A Spanish speaking project team member attended on both days for those who preferred to speak Spanish.
  • On June 23, 2022, a second artist workshop was held. Participates were members of the Equity in the Arts Committee and the event focused on identifying ways the future corridor design can represent the diversity of communities that live on or near the project corridor.

Safety data

Data and planning efforts demonstrate that it is imperative to improve the safety for everyone walking, using transit and driving along West Colfax.

    • 75% of survey respondents felt unsafe walking on Colfax and 33% of respondents felt unsafe driving on Colfax.
    • West Colfax from Sheridan to Wadsworth has the highest number of vehicle vs. pedestrian collisions in the city, resulting in a significant number of pedestrian fatalities. Lakewood Transportation Engineering identified 820 total crashes in this 1.5 mile segment from January 2015 to December 2019. These crashes have caused 283 serious injuries and six fatalities.
    • Ninety-eight of the crashes involved a pedestrian or cyclist. Of the 98 crashes, 74 resulted in serious injuries and five resulted in death. These statistics indicate that a crash occurred every other day in the project area.
    • The Lakewood Police Department has identified West Colfax as a high priority area for addressing pedestrian safety.
    • The West Colfax Vision 2040 Action Plan, developed in consultation with the community, contains goals for West Colfax Avenue over the next 20 years. These goals include exploring ways to build attractive and safe pedestrian infrastructure along West Colfax and identifying critical pedestrian connections and crossings as well as intersection improvements. The 40 West Arts District Urban Design and Mobility Concepts also addressed these needs.

Project components

This project will create consistent sidewalks through repurposing the outside lanes of traffic; add designated pedestrian crossings in specific locations; establish pullouts for buses and provide bus stop amenities; improve street lighting for safety; and enhance driver safety by increasing sight-distances, reducing conflicts with turning vehicles, updating intersection traffic signals and lengthening turn lanes – all of which will improve safety for everyone while reducing driving stress.

Working with partners

In addition to working with CDOT, the city's key partners on the project include the Lakewood-West Colfax Business Improvement District, the Regional Transportation District, the organizations that supported the Safe Main Streets grant application, businesses and community members.

Lakewood is providing matching funds for the project, creating the opportunity to build a safer and better functioning West Colfax that will also be an asset to the community and local businesses.

Project area

The project area includes West Colfax from Sheridan to Teller Street. This segment is home to a wealth of commercial, transit, art and cultural destinations in Lakewood.

Ask a question

Ask your question here about the West Colfax Safety Project, and we will respond within three business days. 

Please note, your question will be visible to the public. If you'd like to send a question privately, please use one of the email addresses in the Who's listening section in the upper right corner of this webpage.xternal link)

For general questions and concerns about the city, please visit www.Lakewood.org/RequestLakewood(External link), which is the city's online customer service hub available 24 hours a day. 


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  • Share Hi, I'm a bit confused by the document because the focus and the plans are for the stretch of Colfax between Sheridan and Teller St., but then the document includes alarming statistics of accidents and fatalities of the section of Colfax between Sheridan and Wadsworth, and states, "West Colfax from Sheridan to Wadsworth has the highest number of vehicle vs. pedestrian collisions in the city..." Are there plans to continue the collision mitigations and increase in safety for everyone on Colfax on the stretch from Sheridan to Wadsworth? on Facebook Share Hi, I'm a bit confused by the document because the focus and the plans are for the stretch of Colfax between Sheridan and Teller St., but then the document includes alarming statistics of accidents and fatalities of the section of Colfax between Sheridan and Wadsworth, and states, "West Colfax from Sheridan to Wadsworth has the highest number of vehicle vs. pedestrian collisions in the city..." Are there plans to continue the collision mitigations and increase in safety for everyone on Colfax on the stretch from Sheridan to Wadsworth? on Twitter Share Hi, I'm a bit confused by the document because the focus and the plans are for the stretch of Colfax between Sheridan and Teller St., but then the document includes alarming statistics of accidents and fatalities of the section of Colfax between Sheridan and Wadsworth, and states, "West Colfax from Sheridan to Wadsworth has the highest number of vehicle vs. pedestrian collisions in the city..." Are there plans to continue the collision mitigations and increase in safety for everyone on Colfax on the stretch from Sheridan to Wadsworth? on Linkedin Email Hi, I'm a bit confused by the document because the focus and the plans are for the stretch of Colfax between Sheridan and Teller St., but then the document includes alarming statistics of accidents and fatalities of the section of Colfax between Sheridan and Wadsworth, and states, "West Colfax from Sheridan to Wadsworth has the highest number of vehicle vs. pedestrian collisions in the city..." Are there plans to continue the collision mitigations and increase in safety for everyone on Colfax on the stretch from Sheridan to Wadsworth? link

    Hi, I'm a bit confused by the document because the focus and the plans are for the stretch of Colfax between Sheridan and Teller St., but then the document includes alarming statistics of accidents and fatalities of the section of Colfax between Sheridan and Wadsworth, and states, "West Colfax from Sheridan to Wadsworth has the highest number of vehicle vs. pedestrian collisions in the city..." Are there plans to continue the collision mitigations and increase in safety for everyone on Colfax on the stretch from Sheridan to Wadsworth?

    Aimee asked 15 days ago

    The segment between Sheridan and Wadsworth does have an exceedingly high number of accidents and fatalities. A key element of the West Colfax Safety Project’s solution to addressing this safety issue includes repurposing the outside traffic lane to pedestrian use to include a continuous sidewalk on each side of the street. The segment from Teller Street to Wadsworth already has continuous sidewalks on the north and south side of Colfax, largely because of redevelopment that has occurred including the Walmart and Home Depot. The existing acceleration and deceleration lanes in this section must remain in place to handle the high level of vehicular traffic at this major intersection, and these limit adding other elements from the project at this location.

    Sincerely,

    The Project Team

  • Share Due to traffic, Wadsworth between Colfax and 6th Ave was recently expanded from 2 to three lanes at a significant cost. So why are we reducing Colfax from 3 lanes to two? It seems very contradictory , shortsighted and a waste of taxpayer money . on Facebook Share Due to traffic, Wadsworth between Colfax and 6th Ave was recently expanded from 2 to three lanes at a significant cost. So why are we reducing Colfax from 3 lanes to two? It seems very contradictory , shortsighted and a waste of taxpayer money . on Twitter Share Due to traffic, Wadsworth between Colfax and 6th Ave was recently expanded from 2 to three lanes at a significant cost. So why are we reducing Colfax from 3 lanes to two? It seems very contradictory , shortsighted and a waste of taxpayer money . on Linkedin Email Due to traffic, Wadsworth between Colfax and 6th Ave was recently expanded from 2 to three lanes at a significant cost. So why are we reducing Colfax from 3 lanes to two? It seems very contradictory , shortsighted and a waste of taxpayer money . link

    Due to traffic, Wadsworth between Colfax and 6th Ave was recently expanded from 2 to three lanes at a significant cost. So why are we reducing Colfax from 3 lanes to two? It seems very contradictory , shortsighted and a waste of taxpayer money .

    Kile asked 3 months ago

    Kile –

    Thanks for your question and please review the information below:

    • U.S. 6/West Sixth Avenue and Interstate 70 reduce the need for an additional east-west routes in this area, and Wadsworth functions differently. It carries three times the amount of traffic than West Colfax because it is major north-south arterial connecting to U.S. 6 and Interstate 70. Given that, more capacity was needed on Wadsworth.
    • More capacity is not needed on West Colfax. A traffic study conducted for this safety project showed that West Colfax Avenue is not over capacity and that the third (curbside lane) is highly underutilized by vehicles. Additionally, the traffic study of a four lane West Colfax Avenue, instead of the current six lane design, showed that the six-lane roadway was unnecessary.  Additionally, at Sheridan Boulevard to the east in the City of Denver, West Colfax connects to an existing four-lane roadway.
    • The purpose of the West Colfax Safety Project is to address safety. This segment has one of the most dire transportation-related safety issues in the region, and it witnesses a crash almost every day, with an average of two lives being lost each year. Such loss of life along with the severe injuries caused by the crashes in the corridor on a regular basis are unacceptable, and the city is putting in place design changes to address these safety issues.
    • Most of the loss of life is related to pedestrian crashes. These occur due to a combination of the lack of safe crossing opportunities, human factors and pedestrians crossing where motorists don’t expect them to be crossing. Reducing the crossing width of a roadway along with building safe crossings are a proven way to reduces pedestrian crashes by signaling both to the pedestrians and motorists where pedestrian will be crossing.
    • Another safety issue stems from the lack of sidewalk in several locations in this area. Because buying right of way to build sidewalks would be very expensive, the project is using one lane currently not often used by motorists to create these sidewalks, which will provide a safety buffer between motorists and pedestrians.


    Sincerely, 

    The Project Team

  • Share Hello! I recall someone asking a question about separated/protected bike lanes on Colfax and the response being, "we already have a bike lane on 14th." Is there any way we could have the 14th ave bike lane become protected? There are sections that are entirely too narrow to feel safe, cars regularly parked illegally in the bike lane without being ticketed, and bike lane connections to destinations along Colfax are pretty much non-existent. So my question is, will the safety project include any protected bike infrastructure? on Facebook Share Hello! I recall someone asking a question about separated/protected bike lanes on Colfax and the response being, "we already have a bike lane on 14th." Is there any way we could have the 14th ave bike lane become protected? There are sections that are entirely too narrow to feel safe, cars regularly parked illegally in the bike lane without being ticketed, and bike lane connections to destinations along Colfax are pretty much non-existent. So my question is, will the safety project include any protected bike infrastructure? on Twitter Share Hello! I recall someone asking a question about separated/protected bike lanes on Colfax and the response being, "we already have a bike lane on 14th." Is there any way we could have the 14th ave bike lane become protected? There are sections that are entirely too narrow to feel safe, cars regularly parked illegally in the bike lane without being ticketed, and bike lane connections to destinations along Colfax are pretty much non-existent. So my question is, will the safety project include any protected bike infrastructure? on Linkedin Email Hello! I recall someone asking a question about separated/protected bike lanes on Colfax and the response being, "we already have a bike lane on 14th." Is there any way we could have the 14th ave bike lane become protected? There are sections that are entirely too narrow to feel safe, cars regularly parked illegally in the bike lane without being ticketed, and bike lane connections to destinations along Colfax are pretty much non-existent. So my question is, will the safety project include any protected bike infrastructure? link

    Hello! I recall someone asking a question about separated/protected bike lanes on Colfax and the response being, "we already have a bike lane on 14th." Is there any way we could have the 14th ave bike lane become protected? There are sections that are entirely too narrow to feel safe, cars regularly parked illegally in the bike lane without being ticketed, and bike lane connections to destinations along Colfax are pretty much non-existent. So my question is, will the safety project include any protected bike infrastructure?

    zbholman asked 11 months ago

    Hello, 

    The Colfax Safety Project will not include any “protected” bike lane components. The new continuous sidewalk to be installed along both sides of the street is designed for pedestrian safety and use.

    West 14th Ave is undergoing multiple utility development projects. Completion of the projects will necessitate repaving and potentially reconfiguration of the roadway.

    It has not been determined yet on which roadways will be selected to initially have “protected” bike lanes created in Lakewood.  This discussion is part of the City budget process.

    Thank you for your question,

    Project Team

  • Share What exactly are the plans for the space? Is it going to remain retail/commercial? As we know there have been alot of new multi residential units constructed and currently under construction in this area with no increase in infrastructure to support it. on Facebook Share What exactly are the plans for the space? Is it going to remain retail/commercial? As we know there have been alot of new multi residential units constructed and currently under construction in this area with no increase in infrastructure to support it. on Twitter Share What exactly are the plans for the space? Is it going to remain retail/commercial? As we know there have been alot of new multi residential units constructed and currently under construction in this area with no increase in infrastructure to support it. on Linkedin Email What exactly are the plans for the space? Is it going to remain retail/commercial? As we know there have been alot of new multi residential units constructed and currently under construction in this area with no increase in infrastructure to support it. link

    What exactly are the plans for the space? Is it going to remain retail/commercial? As we know there have been alot of new multi residential units constructed and currently under construction in this area with no increase in infrastructure to support it.

    Kurt asked 11 months ago

    Hello,

    The West Colfax Safety Project will only include improvements in and directly adjacent to Colfax Avenue between Sheridan Boulevard and Teller Streets. The project will create consistent sidewalks through repurposing the outside lanes of traffic and add designated pedestrian crossings in specific locations. Privately owned properties adjacent to Colfax and in the vicinity will continue to function as they are now or redevelop under existing zoning.

    Thank you for your question. 

    Project Team

  • Share what is being built at 11082 w colfax? on Facebook Share what is being built at 11082 w colfax? on Twitter Share what is being built at 11082 w colfax? on Linkedin Email what is being built at 11082 w colfax? link

    what is being built at 11082 w colfax?

    Ray asked about 1 year ago

    Ray -- We're a little confused about your question because of the address you provide of 11082 W. Colfax Ave., which is on the south side of the street and has an existing building. We think the address you are interested in is 11085 W. Colfax Ave., which is on the north side of the street where pre-construction work has been performed for a 355-unit multifamily building. The site plan for this development was approved on Sept. 19, 2022.

    If this information doesn't answer your question or you have additional ones about the development at 11085 W. Colfax Ave., please contact the Planner of the Day 303-987-7571 or POD@lakewood.org.

    -- Project Team

  • Share What is being done with the old Sears building at Westland mall? on Facebook Share What is being done with the old Sears building at Westland mall? on Twitter Share What is being done with the old Sears building at Westland mall? on Linkedin Email What is being done with the old Sears building at Westland mall? link

    What is being done with the old Sears building at Westland mall?

    Ray asked about 1 year ago

    Ray -- Thanks for your interest in this area. We can let you know that Artesia is the new owner of the Westland Town Center. The company has engaged an architect to begin creating a master plan for the site, and Artesia hopes to begin the demolition of the Sears building soon.

    -- Project Team

  • Share Hello and thank you for working to make this a safer area! I have a question to build on Tony's question - are there other current/planned initiatives to better address homelessness, drug use, and crime in this part of Lakewood? I call this neighborhood my home and the prevalence of homelessness, public drug use, and crime is by far the number one thing that makes me feel unsafe (although I definitely do support improved traffic safety and better lighting as well). The Sheridan RTD station is practically a makeshift homeless shelter half the time and I avoid walking past EZ Pawn whenever possible. How can we as neighbors and a community best help in cutting down on homelessness, crime, and addiction here, and do you have a list of resources/initiatives/partnering organizations working on this? on Facebook Share Hello and thank you for working to make this a safer area! I have a question to build on Tony's question - are there other current/planned initiatives to better address homelessness, drug use, and crime in this part of Lakewood? I call this neighborhood my home and the prevalence of homelessness, public drug use, and crime is by far the number one thing that makes me feel unsafe (although I definitely do support improved traffic safety and better lighting as well). The Sheridan RTD station is practically a makeshift homeless shelter half the time and I avoid walking past EZ Pawn whenever possible. How can we as neighbors and a community best help in cutting down on homelessness, crime, and addiction here, and do you have a list of resources/initiatives/partnering organizations working on this? on Twitter Share Hello and thank you for working to make this a safer area! I have a question to build on Tony's question - are there other current/planned initiatives to better address homelessness, drug use, and crime in this part of Lakewood? I call this neighborhood my home and the prevalence of homelessness, public drug use, and crime is by far the number one thing that makes me feel unsafe (although I definitely do support improved traffic safety and better lighting as well). The Sheridan RTD station is practically a makeshift homeless shelter half the time and I avoid walking past EZ Pawn whenever possible. How can we as neighbors and a community best help in cutting down on homelessness, crime, and addiction here, and do you have a list of resources/initiatives/partnering organizations working on this? on Linkedin Email Hello and thank you for working to make this a safer area! I have a question to build on Tony's question - are there other current/planned initiatives to better address homelessness, drug use, and crime in this part of Lakewood? I call this neighborhood my home and the prevalence of homelessness, public drug use, and crime is by far the number one thing that makes me feel unsafe (although I definitely do support improved traffic safety and better lighting as well). The Sheridan RTD station is practically a makeshift homeless shelter half the time and I avoid walking past EZ Pawn whenever possible. How can we as neighbors and a community best help in cutting down on homelessness, crime, and addiction here, and do you have a list of resources/initiatives/partnering organizations working on this? link

    Hello and thank you for working to make this a safer area! I have a question to build on Tony's question - are there other current/planned initiatives to better address homelessness, drug use, and crime in this part of Lakewood? I call this neighborhood my home and the prevalence of homelessness, public drug use, and crime is by far the number one thing that makes me feel unsafe (although I definitely do support improved traffic safety and better lighting as well). The Sheridan RTD station is practically a makeshift homeless shelter half the time and I avoid walking past EZ Pawn whenever possible. How can we as neighbors and a community best help in cutting down on homelessness, crime, and addiction here, and do you have a list of resources/initiatives/partnering organizations working on this?

    Kyle asked almost 2 years ago

    Thank you for your comment. The West Colfax Safety Project is not directly addressing homelessness as this is outside the scope of the project. However, the City of Lakewood has identified homelessness as a high priority and is working to develop a citywide coordinated response.

     

    Lakewood has several initiatives to better address homelessness that provide navigation and supportive services to move individuals and families who are unsheltered off the street into stable housing.

    • Lakewood Police launched the Community Action Team (CAT) several years ago that specializes in community issues such as homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse. Included in CAT are two homeless navigators, two Jefferson Center mental health co-responders and two Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program managers. These civilian members of the Police Department work directly with those who are sheltered and unsheltered to connect them with resources, case management, emergency shelter options, and supportive services.  
    • The city is in the process of hiring a homeless coordinator to provide a citywide coordinated response to homelessness and to bridge the gap in communication with local nonprofit partners and other nearby cities.   
    • Lakewood also is working with Jefferson County on a regional response to homelessness through the Housing Navigation Collaboration. This effort is in conjunction with the county and other municipalities within Jefferson County to create two housing navigation centers in the northern and central parts of Jefferson County. The Housing Navigation Centers are intended to provide 24/7 shelter, on-site case management, supportive services, affordable and permanent supportive housing options to people experiencing homelessness. Currently, the HNC is working to identify funding sources and ideal sites for these facilities. 
    • The city also participates in the Built for Zero program, which is a national program that works to improve homeless planning, data collection and service coordination within communities to systematically end homelessness. 
    • Lakewood recently adopted an ordinance that allows eligible organizations in the city to participate in the Colorado Safe Parking Initiative. This program allows people who are unsheltered and living in their vehicles to safely park overnight in designated locations where they have access to food, restroom facilities and supportive services. 
    • Several organizations and affordable housing developers are creating supportive housing in Lakewood. Jefferson Center for Mental Health will be constructing 40 units of permanent supportive housing that will serve people experiencing homelessness and those individuals with incomes less than 30 percent of Area Median Income. That project will begin construction in the fall of 2022 and will take 18 months to complete. More information about the project can be found online at https://www.jcmh.org/solidground/.

     

    The Police Department is aware of the condition at the RTD Sheridan Station and the bus stop at Sheridan and Colfax. The area is complex to manage due to the mix of public and private ownership of the properties, which makes our response more difficult. If you think there is a crime occurring, please call 911.  For non-emergency items, please call 303-980-7300.  To report suspicious activity or unsafe conditions on any RTD property including the light rail station, parking garage, or bus stops, contact RTD Transit Watch at 303-299-2911.  Reporting issues as they are happening often will help us to provide a more effective response.

     

    If you have any further questions related to homelessness in Lakewood, it is best to direct those questions to www.lakewood.org/RequestLakewood.  

     

    Resources for people in need:

    211 Colorado: https://www.211colorado.org/

    Colorado Housing Connects: https://coloradohousingconnects.org/

    RecoveryWorks: https://recoveryworkstoday.org/

    Mean Street Ministry: https://www.meanstreetministry.org/

    Action Center: https://theactioncenter.org/

     

    Jefferson County Partnership working to end homelessness

    JeffCo Heading Home: https://www.headinghomejeffco.com/home

     

  • Share Are any elements of this Colfax revitalization plan going to reduce the levels of homelessness and crime on the corner of Sheridan and W Colfax especially at the EZ Pawn and the gas station across the street from it? on Facebook Share Are any elements of this Colfax revitalization plan going to reduce the levels of homelessness and crime on the corner of Sheridan and W Colfax especially at the EZ Pawn and the gas station across the street from it? on Twitter Share Are any elements of this Colfax revitalization plan going to reduce the levels of homelessness and crime on the corner of Sheridan and W Colfax especially at the EZ Pawn and the gas station across the street from it? on Linkedin Email Are any elements of this Colfax revitalization plan going to reduce the levels of homelessness and crime on the corner of Sheridan and W Colfax especially at the EZ Pawn and the gas station across the street from it? link

    Are any elements of this Colfax revitalization plan going to reduce the levels of homelessness and crime on the corner of Sheridan and W Colfax especially at the EZ Pawn and the gas station across the street from it?

    Tony asked almost 2 years ago

    The City of Lakewood has identified addressing homelessness issues as a high priority. It has put in place homeless navigation services to work directly with these residents to move them off the street. It is also in the process of hiring a homeless coordinator to better manage the city’s response to this issue, and it works through nonprofit partnerships and housing development to decrease the number of people experiencing homelessness. If necessary, law enforcement will contact individuals engaging in criminal activity. 

    While the West Colfax Safety Project is not directly addressing homelessness, this project will provide safer crossings and an improved pedestrian environment along Colfax that is intended to benefit all users including those individuals experiencing homelessness. Increasing pedestrian safety and activity will increase the number of “eyes on the street,” and contribute to a safer pedestrian environment. The project will also include increased levels of pedestrian-level lighting to address safety, especially in the eastern segment of the project approaching Sheridan Boulevard.

  • Share Why do we need to shut down a lane and each direction when there are only 3 buildings thathree buildings that keep Colfax from being walkable now ? It would be cheaper to buy those 3 run down buildings And save the taxpayers millions.. on Facebook Share Why do we need to shut down a lane and each direction when there are only 3 buildings thathree buildings that keep Colfax from being walkable now ? It would be cheaper to buy those 3 run down buildings And save the taxpayers millions.. on Twitter Share Why do we need to shut down a lane and each direction when there are only 3 buildings thathree buildings that keep Colfax from being walkable now ? It would be cheaper to buy those 3 run down buildings And save the taxpayers millions.. on Linkedin Email Why do we need to shut down a lane and each direction when there are only 3 buildings thathree buildings that keep Colfax from being walkable now ? It would be cheaper to buy those 3 run down buildings And save the taxpayers millions.. link

    Why do we need to shut down a lane and each direction when there are only 3 buildings thathree buildings that keep Colfax from being walkable now ? It would be cheaper to buy those 3 run down buildings And save the taxpayers millions..

    Forrest jones asked almost 2 years ago

    There are significant pedestrian and vehicular safety issues and a lack of walkability conditions within the entire segment of Colfax Avenue between Sheridan Boulevard and Teller Street. One of the main purposes of this project is to improve safety, including pedestrian safety and providing pedestrian facilities comfortable for anyone regardless of physical abilities. The project is achieving this goal by providing sidewalks that are buffered from traffic, reducing pedestrian crossing distances (to reduce exposure to vehicles) and by providing safe crossing locations. To provide all these safety enhancements, the project needs to repurpose the outside lanes. An added benefit of this lane repurposing is the expected reduction of speeds due to the effect of roadside elements closer to the driver as noted in their peripheral field of vision.

  • Share We need traffic calming, it's way too easy to speed on this straight 6 lane stroad. Exhibit A: https://kdvr.com/news/local/driver-clocked-going-73-mph-on-colfax-in-subaru/ on Facebook Share We need traffic calming, it's way too easy to speed on this straight 6 lane stroad. Exhibit A: https://kdvr.com/news/local/driver-clocked-going-73-mph-on-colfax-in-subaru/ on Twitter Share We need traffic calming, it's way too easy to speed on this straight 6 lane stroad. Exhibit A: https://kdvr.com/news/local/driver-clocked-going-73-mph-on-colfax-in-subaru/ on Linkedin Email We need traffic calming, it's way too easy to speed on this straight 6 lane stroad. Exhibit A: https://kdvr.com/news/local/driver-clocked-going-73-mph-on-colfax-in-subaru/ link

    We need traffic calming, it's way too easy to speed on this straight 6 lane stroad. Exhibit A: https://kdvr.com/news/local/driver-clocked-going-73-mph-on-colfax-in-subaru/

    zbholman asked almost 2 years ago

    Repurposing of the outside lanes will result in a narrower road along with roadside elements such as landscaping. Speed choices or cues are influenced by a driver’s peripheral vision. By bringing these roadside elements closer and into the field of view, drivers have been shown to feel they are going faster as compared to a wider roadway. Hence, the new design of a narrower West Colfax is expected to result in traffic calming and slower speeds.

Page last updated: 25 Mar 2024, 10:43 AM