Arapahoe County has secured funding from the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) to study transit and micro-mobility transportation needs within the urban corridor and to make improvements to the High Line Canal Trail crossing at Arapahoe Road and South Broadway.
DRCOG recently awarded funding for these two projects as part of its 2022-2025 Transportation Improvement Program Call #2.
The $1.45 million Transit and Micro-mobility Study will focus on the urban area within Arapahoe County and will focus on the barrier of the first and last mile when it comes to public transportation and will also focus on the complete trip.
“The County is very excited to join forces with others locals to at and solve the challenges people are facing as they use or considering using the transit system” the County’s Transportation Division Manager Jim Katzer said.
The study will incorporate many completed transit and micro-mobility studies, define transit and micro-mobility needs, determine the current gap between service and needs and identify future needs with a plan to meet those needs. A large and exciting component of the study is the deployment of pilot projects.
The County identified the need for this study, along with other local jurisdictions, due to significant growth in the County during the past 15 years within the urban corridor. The development has increased the need for effective and efficient transit and first and last mile choices due to roadway congestion.
The study has regional support from the Regional Transportation District and Jefferson and Douglas counties. The County is partnering with Aurora, Centennial, Englewood, Greenwood Village, Littleton, Denver South Transportation Management Association, and Transportation Solutions of Arapahoe County. The study when completed with be shared with RTD.
The long-term goal of the High Line Canal Trail crossing at Broadway includes the construction of a grade-separated crossing. An underpass would greatly improve safety for trail users and improve access to the trail for surrounding neighborhoods.
Katzer did mention that this project has several partners involved.
“The County is grateful for the chance to work with the City of Centennial and City of Littleton to bring these important improvements to the community,” Katzer said.
In September of 2021, Arapahoe County Open Spaces studied the feasibility of underpasses at seven locations along the High Line Canal Trail in partnership with local municipalities and the High Line Canal Conservancy. An underpass at Arapahoe Road and South Broadway was identified as a viable project.
To date, the project team has performed a field survey, initial utility investigation, stakeholder outreach and have started initial design plans for this location.
The DRCOG funding of $1.4 million coupled with nearly $400,000 of local match - will pay for the underpass design which is located about 200 feet south of Arapahoe Road. Funding for the construction of the underpass has been submitted for the regional DRCOG call for projects for the 2024-2027 Transportation Improvement Program.