FAQs
Why was Evans Avenue selected for Vision Zero improvements?
This section of Evans Avenue was identified as needing safety improvements through Denver’s Vision Zero Initiative, a collaborative campaign to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries. The Vision Zero action plan identified that this section of Evans Avenue is on the High Injury Network (HIN). The Vision Zero HIN consists of corridors throughout Denver with the highest number of fatal and injury crashes. The HIN accounts for 5 percent of streets in Denver but 50 percent of traffic deaths. Evans Avenue's inclusion within this network made this corridor a focus to implement improvements to increase safety for all modes.
The project limits were set with Clay Street to the west and Osage Street to the east. This project area would stop short of the intersection at Federal Blvd, which is currently under the scope of another project. The eastern limit at Osage Street was set because it was the last intersection where a significant number of pedestrians would benefit from improvements to crossings.
The initial development of safety concepts for the Evans Avenue corridor first began in 2019. Due to recent grant funding secured through the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the project has moved forward with the evaluation and design of safety improvements with the objective to decrease the number of traffic injuries and fatalities along the corridor.
What information was used to inform the designs?
The Vision Zero concepts completed in 2019 were based on crash data on the Evans Avenue corridor. The project team has performed a qualitative and quantitative evaluation to refine and expand on these concepts.
The project team conducted a traffic analysis which modeled current traffic volume data as well as anticipate changes to travel behavior with the proposed project. In addition to data collection and evaluation, the project team is conducting ongoing coordination and collaboration with partners and stakeholders. The project hopes to build upon best practices and lessons learned from projects in the west Denver area, to implement a "one build" policy that sees cohesion across similar projects.
How does the design increase multimodal safety?
The design increases multimodal safety by improving the pedestrian crossing environment within the corridor, creating a more comfortable experience for all users. Improvements to the corridor include the installation of medians to provide pedestrian crossing refuges while also limiting the ability to turn left across pedestrian facilities.
How does the project look to address the need for better sidewalks through the corridor?
Currently, the City and County of Denver is working to address sidewalk gaps citywide through various programs. The Evans Avenue Vision Zero Safety Project is focused primarily on making select crossing improvements and limiting the volume of vehicles that turn left across the paths of pedestrians, which will create a safer experience for pedestrians.
How has the project team considered congestion throughout the corridor?
A traffic analysis was completed, evaluating corridor operations with the addition of medians which will restrict the ability to turn left in areas along the corridor. Traffic modeling confirmed that congestion would not increase as a result of the installation of medians and ramps. In addition, the analysis confirmed there are an adequate number of locations where U-turns can be performed to maneuver around the proposed medians. Incorporating center medians will support safer travel for all modes along the corridor.
What purpose do the medians serve? What informs median placement?
The driving indicator for medians' placement is historic crash data analysis, which indicates the corridor experiences a large percentage of broadside and sideswipe collisions. A raised median will restrict left turn vehicle movements, reducing the potential for broadside and left-turn collisions at these locations. The raised median will also provide physical separation between motorists in adjacent lanes, reducing the potential for opposing sideswipe collisions on Evans Avenue. Medians will also encourage pedestrians to cross at designated crossings and provide refuge for pedestrians crossing at designated locations.
What are the known impacts to local businesses?
Data supports the assertion that an improved streetscape will benefit local businesses by attracting customers. Visitors are more likely to walk or drive along a road that is easy to navigate. Accessibility will be altered in certain locations; however, no streets will be permanently closed and access to all locations along Evans will remain. Business owners can expect temporary impacts during construction; however, careful consideration is going into construction phasing to ensure that impacts are mitigated as much as possible. The City will maintain clear communication with business owners throughout the project to provide advanced notice and information about upcoming construction.
Will the proposed changes impact neighborhood access and parking?
Access to parking lots, roads, and driveways will be maintained. In some locations, accessibility will be modified due to the inclusion of medians.
Like businesses, accessibility to neighborhoods will be altered in certain locations. The project team will continue to engage with Registered Neighborhood Organizations (RNOs) in the area around project design and feedback milestones.
Will the proposed changes include placement and additional greenery throughout the corridor?
The current project will not consider additional greenery or placemaking along the corridor. The proposed improvements focus on road user safety and increasing pedestrian connectivity in the area, allowing safer access to local businesses, community organizations, and schools.
What are the project’s next steps? How can I (and/or the public) continue to stay involved?
The design of the proposed corridor changes will continue through two additional phases, with a final design set to be ready in Fall of 2023. Once the 60% design and public engagement is complete, the next steps are a 90% and Final design.
The designs will be posted to the project website for the public to review and provide their comments. Throughout the duration of the project, the public outreach team will continue focused engagement with communities and businesses along the corridor.
A full project timeline can be found on the project website. Please check the website regularly to find out about project updates, view road designs, and engage with feedback mechanisms. Please email us with any questions or concerns.
When is construction of the proposed changes expected to begin?
Construction of the proposed changes is expected to begin in Spring of 2024.