City Council to Review Folsom Street Safety Improvements Project Recommendation

During the recent Transportation Advisory Board meeting held in Boulder City, Colorado, discussions centered on the proposed safety improvements for Folsom Street, a critical corridor for both vehicular and non-motorized traffic. The meeting highlighted the importance of enhancing safety and accessibility for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.

The project recommendation, which is based on alternative C, received a positive evaluation across various criteria, although it scored slightly lower than alternative B due to less landscaping. The analysis revealed that the proposed changes would result in a modest increase in travel time during peak hours, primarily due to a reduced speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph and the implementation of dedicated signal phasing aimed at reducing vehicle crashes.

Key design changes discussed include the introduction of protected intersections, which utilize corner refuge islands to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists. These modifications are expected to improve visibility and predictability at intersections, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents. The recommendation also maintains two left turn lanes and adds right turn-only lanes at busy intersections, which will help facilitate smoother traffic flow, including for transit buses.

The meeting emphasized the importance of community input in shaping the project. Feedback from local residents and businesses was incorporated into the design, reflecting a commitment to balancing safety improvements with the needs of the community. The project team expressed confidence that the recommendation effectively addresses the diverse needs of corridor users.

Looking ahead, the Transportation Advisory Board is set to recommend the Folsom Street safety improvements to the city council for approval at their upcoming meeting on August 7, 2025. If the council calls up the project, further details will be presented at a public hearing on August 21. This initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing transportation safety and accessibility in Boulder, aligning with broader goals of sustainable urban development.