Broomfield Council to Discuss Rail Updates and Colorado 7 Mobility Enhancements

Under the bright lights of Broomfield's City Council chambers, local leaders gathered to discuss vital transportation updates that promise to reshape the region's mobility landscape. The meeting, held on August 8, 2025, highlighted significant developments in rail and transit projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and safety for residents.

One of the key announcements was a forthcoming presentation on rail updates scheduled for September 16, where regional partners will share insights into the state of rail development. This meeting invites public participation, emphasizing the community's role in shaping transportation initiatives.

The discussion turned to the Northwest Area Mobility Study, initiated by the Regional Transportation District (RTD) in 2014. This study identified six priority corridors for investment, including critical routes in Broomfield such as Colorado 71, Twentieth Avenue, and US 287. These corridors are central to ongoing efforts with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to improve mobility options and enhance safety for all users.

A focal point of the meeting was the Colorado 7 corridor, which spans over 25 miles and connects Brighton to Boulder. This corridor has been recognized as a priority not only by Broomfield but also by neighboring mayors and commissioners. Over the past decade, Broomfield has played a pivotal role in establishing the Colorado 7 coalition, successfully securing more than $20 million in funding for various projects along the route. These funds have been instrumental in initiating preliminary plans for the corridor's ultimate build-out, alongside interim improvements such as design enhancements and shoulder expansions at key intersections.

As the region continues to grow, the statistics shared during the meeting painted a vivid picture of the future. An estimated 49,000 new residents and 38,000 new jobs are expected along the Colorado 7 corridor, leading to a projected 37% increase in traffic, particularly on the eastern end. This surge in population and employment underscores the urgent need for effective transportation solutions.

In response to these challenges, a feasibility study for bus rapid transit was conducted, revealing promising potential for ridership. The study predicts that the corridor could support 8,000 to 10,000 boardings daily, a figure comparable to the Flatiron Flyer, which recorded around 12,000 to 13,000 passengers per day in 2019.

As Broomfield navigates its transportation future, the discussions from this meeting highlight a proactive approach to addressing the needs of a rapidly growing community. With ongoing collaboration among local jurisdictions and a commitment to enhancing transit options, Broomfield is poised to create a more connected and accessible environment for all its residents.