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Lakewood public works outlines $39M in 2026 projects including Colfax and North Dry Gulch phases
Summary
Public Works described planned and ongoing transportation, drainage and sidewalk projects for 2026, highlighting Colfax safety improvements, North Dry Gulch phases, Wadsworth/Morrison intersection work and a $39 million program of projects.
Lakewood’s Public Works Department presented a multi-year capital program that includes nearly $39 million in investments planned for 2026, focusing on pedestrian safety, drainage improvements and sidewalk connections.
Director DeAndrea told the council that the 2026 plan advances several high-profile transportation and drainage efforts, including the Colfax safety project (phase 1 underway, phase 2 planned in 2026), the multi-phase North Dry Gulch floodplain mitigation project (phase 3 expected in spring 2026 and phase 4 to wrap in 2027 with a new detention pond near Whitlock Recreation Center) and the Wadsworth/Morrison intersection improvements.
DeAndrea said the Wadsworth/Morrison project — which added signals, dual left-turn lanes and about one-half mile of new sidewalk on the east side of Wadsworth — cost roughly $7 million, with about $5 million coming from grants. Other 2026 plans include about 1.27 miles of enhanced sidewalk as part of Colfax safety phase 2, a Wadsworth multiuse path built in two segments, sidewalk infill near Sheridan Boulevard and continued bikeway striping tied to pavement management.
On pavement maintenance, staff reported spending just over $12 million in 2025 to treat roughly 10% of the city’s lane miles (about 1,400 lane miles total citywide). The public works director said the annual goal is to move the city toward an average pavement-condition index target of about 70. DeAndrea also described traffic-calming work (speed humps/cushions), guardrail inventory and updates in response to state-level emphasis, and sanitary sewer replacements and other utility work.
Public Works noted coordination with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) on the US 6 and Wadsworth interchange, expected to begin construction in late 2026 and continue for three to four years. The department also described design work for a new Public Works maintenance campus to be developed in phases.
DeAndrea emphasized pairing smaller sidewalk or bikeway projects with larger pavement management work to improve cost efficiency and expedite construction while preserving opportunities for community outreach and quality design.
Ending: Council received the update and asked follow-up questions on sequencing, funding sources and coordination with CDOT; staff will include these details in subsequent budget materials and project schedules.
