Commerce City outlines road, enforcement and engineering measures for Adams Heights after resident complaints
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Summary
City staff described speed-hump results, targeted enforcement, camera installation and a multimodal safety design for E. 60th Avenue and the Adams Heights neighborhood and told council CDOT and RTD must act on some state-owned issues.
Commerce City officials detailed a series of engineering, enforcement and outreach steps aimed at slowing traffic and reducing truck impacts in the Adams Heights neighborhood, following repeated public complaints about speeding, ATVs and truck noise.
City Manager Roger Rogers told the City Council that speed humps installed on E. 60th Avenue cut measured average speeds from about 34 mph (pre‑humps) to roughly 27 mph after installation. “Since the installation of those speed humps ... the average speed is around 27 miles per hour,” Rogers said, summarizing the Public Works speed studies and sweeps that staff has completed.
The city also described a funded E. 60th Avenue multimodal project (about $455,000 for design and roughly $1.5 million set aside for construction) that could add curb extensions, crosswalks and rapid flashing beacons to make pedestrian crossings safer and reduce vehicle–pedestrian conflicts. Jenna Hahn, interim director of public works, told council the design money is already programmed and that staff will continue working on locations and lighting as part of the project.
Police and targeted enforcement were a second pillar. Rogers and public-safety staff described a targeted enforcement plan in Adams Heights, a partnership with Colorado State Patrol and the Port of Entry for large-vehicle enforcement, variable-message boards reminding truck drivers of truck routes, and a camera on E. 60th Avenue—installed for roughly $12,000 with an ongoing maintenance cost of about $1,300 per month. Rogers said the city is seeking to expand the Flock camera system and is acquiring a radar van for automated speed enforcement.
Rogers also told council the police department will not engage in vehicle pursuits for ATVs and motorcycles: “We do not, we do not chase in the city,” he said, explaining the department’s policy to avoid high-risk chases while continuing other enforcement and citation strategies.
Several council members pressed for broader traffic fixes on state-owned roadways adjacent to Adams Heights. Council member Madera asked about Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) repairs on Brighton Boulevard and Highway 2 corridors; Rogers said staff has pressed CDOT, received baseline pavement condition data, and continues to work toward intergovernmental agreements that might allow the city to perform work in CDOT right-of-way with possible reimbursement.
Council members also raised noise and vibration from RTD-owned rail tracks crossing Colorado Boulevard. Rogers said RTD controls those tracks and staff must coordinate with the agency for any repairs: “We will continue to engage with them,” he said.
Why it matters: Adams Heights residents and several speakers at the public-comment portion of the meeting described repeated quality-of-life harms—fence damage, nighttime ATV riding, heavy truck traffic and perceived gaps in state and regional maintenance. City staff presented data and programs showing investments and next steps, but said some problems depend on state or regional agencies.
Council directions and next steps: Rogers said the city has spent more than $2 million on Adams Heights projects and will continue: staff will pursue the multimodal construction schedule, expand camera and radar-capacity, continue truck-route outreach with commercial carriers and CMV associations, and seek further engagement and an intergovernmental agreement with CDOT and RTD where repairs and rights-of-way require it.
Ending: Council members commented that the work is underway but urged continuing follow-up with CDOT and RTD and faster, visible results for residents who say they face daily safety and quality‑of‑life impacts.
