Getting there: Denver’s downtown street construction creates traffic labyrinth
Project information and maps for downtown Denver and RTD projects online.
The labyrinth of construction projects in downtown Denver has workers wandering the concrete canyons trying to get to their jobs, they say.
While Denver officials sympathize and promise a better, brighter future, navigating the lane closures and turn restrictions, they admit, can be a burden.
“We remain in the height of our construction season, closely reviewing and managing lane closure requests to help contractors complete work as quickly as possible, while keeping the traveling public moving and safe,” said Nancy Kuhn, spokesperson for the Denver Office of Transportation and Infrastructure.
“Significant investments in our downtown infrastructure are occurring and while they can be frustrating at times in the short-term from a travel perspective, we’re building a more resilient city to serve our residents and support Denver’s economic vitality in the long term,” Kuhn said. “In terms of the 16th Street Mall project, we’re very excited and looking forward to celebrating the completion of three blocks next week, Wazee to Larimer streets.”
DOTI is inviting people to attend a special celebration in honor of the opening of the three blocks at 10 a.m. Aug. 29 on 16th between Wazee and Larimer streets. DOTI asks that attendees RSVP here.
In the meantime, DOTI has a web page dedicated to the project, as does the Regional Transportation District for its downtown loop light rail repairs project.
While the RTD downtown rail repairs are scheduled to be wrapped up for the year by the end of September, work on the Denver projects will continue through the winter.
“We’ll have the first four blocks of the 16th Street renovation project – Market to Curtis – fully complete and activated by Labor Day,” said Kuhn. “Work on the Mall will continue into 2025 and the renovation is expected to be completed by next fall.”
“We ask for the public’s patience and for them to use care driving downtown as this important work is underway, adhering to speed limits, going slower through construction areas and looking out for pedestrians,” Kuhn added.
