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City updates on regional corridors: CO‑119 bikeway and BRT, Arapahoe upgrades, South Boulder study and rail prospects
Summary
City of Boulder staff provided a regional transportation update to the Transportation Advisory Board on Sept. 8, describing progress on interconnected corridor projects guided by the Northwest Area Mobility Study (NAMS) and collaboration with RTD, CDOT and regional partners.
City of Boulder staff provided a regional transportation update to the Transportation Advisory Board on Sept. 8, describing progress on interconnected corridor projects guided by the Northwest Area Mobility Study (NAMS) and collaboration with RTD, CDOT and regional partners.
Why it matters: Most commuter travel into Boulder originates outside the city; staff said non‑resident workers rely heavily on single‑occupant vehicles. Regional corridors, transit service and bikeways are central to shifting travel patterns, improving safety and meeting Vision 0 goals.
Key projects and status
CO‑119 (Diagonal Highway) — safety, bikeway, bus rapid transit stations: Jean Sanson, policy adviser, said construction is underway on the regional 9‑mile bikeway connecting Boulder to Longmont, including 12‑ to 16‑foot separated concrete path segments and under/overpass structures at key crossings. The project includes median bus rapid transit platforms and “queue bypass” lanes that let buses pull ahead of queued traffic at intersections. Opening‑day BRT service is expected in 2027, with weekday peak bus frequencies projected at 15–30 minutes; staff said CDOT and RTD remain partners in final design and right‑of‑way coordination.
CO‑7 / Arapahoe Avenue — resurfacing and bus lanes, Brighton–Boulder pilot: Sanson described a corridor program to plan and implement multimodal improvements along CO‑7 (Arapahoe). The city coordinated resurfacing between 28th and Cherryvale to convert curbside lanes to shared bus/right‑turn lanes (BAT lanes) where appropriate and is completing protected‑intersection designs and missing multiuse path links. Boulder County secured TIP funding for a two‑year, fare‑free “starter” service between Brighton and Boulder in 2026; staff said the pilot will test demand ahead of potential BRT.
South Boulder Road: Staff completed phase‑1 study work and will launch phase‑2 to design a continuous bike facility, enhanced transit and safety measures; Table Mesa Park‑and‑Ride access is a priority for evaluation.
Northwest Rail / joint service plan: Sanson said recent state legislation and partnership models make a phased joint service possible, using a hybrid approach between commuter rail and intercity passenger rail. RTD and partners are negotiating access with BNSF and refining finance/implementation plans; staff noted the Depot Square (Boulder Junction) station design has been coordinated to accommodate potential future rail service.
Regional collaboration and funding: Staff emphasized coalitions (Northwest mayors and commissioners coalition, DRCOG) and state/federal advocacy, saying many corridor projects rely on CDOT, RTD and DRCOG funding and coordination. Sanson urged participation in a forthcoming Boulder County strategic transit plan and public advisory committees.
What to watch: Construction on the CO‑119 bikeway and station elements, launch of the Brighton–Boulder starter bus service in 2026, upcoming Arapahoe protected‑intersection work and continued negotiations and finance planning for phased rail service. No board vote was taken; the presentation was informational and prompted technical and policy discussion.
