Council approves IGA amendment to decouple Wadsworth Path signal work from city project, returns $700,000 to grant program
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Summary
The council approved a resolution to amend the intergovernmental agreement with CDOT for the Wadsworth Path project, returning $700,000 to the grantor so the city can advertise its segment on schedule while CDOT completes a separate intersection redesign.
WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. — The Wheat Ridge City Council on Monday voted to approve Resolution 36-2025, amending an intergovernmental agreement with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) for the Wadsworth Path project to decouple a CDOT signal/intersection design from the city's sidewalk and path work.
Interim Public Works Director Kent Kishman told council the project had three components: a path/sidewalk from 30th to 35th Avenue, an intersection design to be completed by CDOT, and the integrated construction that would follow. The City received a $7.5 million Transportation Improvement Program (DRCOG) grant and hired Olson Architects for the path design. CDOT was not on schedule to complete the intersection design, and Kishman said the city planned to return $700,000 to DRCOG to allow the city to advertise its portion of the work before an October 1 grant deadline.
Kishman said the engineering estimate for the city's 30th-to-35th improvements — including design, property acquisition, construction management and contingency but excluding the signal — is about $7.5 million. He estimated the signal cost at roughly $1.5 million; if that estimate holds, decoupling and returning $700,000 would leave the project with a net positive buffer.
The decoupled city scope will still include sidewalks, landscaping, pedestrian lighting and a relocated bus shelter, Kishman said. He told council staff’s plan is to advertise construction and aim for a 2026 construction year. Councilors emphasized interest in ensuring iterative design of the CDOT signal would address bicycle and pedestrian safety at the Wadsworth/30th intersection; Councilor Rachel Holting said the junction is a top concern for cyclists and asked staff to press CDOT on pedestrian lead times, bike detection and striping.
Councilor Holting moved to approve Resolution 36-2025; Mayor Pro Tem Corey Stites seconded. The clerk recorded all ayes and no nays; the motion carried.
Staff recommended approval of the amended IGA to protect the city's DRCOG funding and maintain the October advertising schedule. Council members asked staff to request CDOT’s design progress and to press for signal treatments that improve bike and pedestrian safety at the intersection.
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