Littleton launches Alati corridor study with robust public engagement; $235,000 contract and 30% designs included

Littleton staff and consultant teams described the scope and public engagement plan for the Alati corridor study, a roughly $235,000 effort to evaluate a 2.5‑mile stretch of roadway from Littleton Boulevard to the High Line Canal Trail. The study will produce an existing‑conditions fact book, an interactive web map, a modal‑priority framework, quick‑build projects, five 30% design packages at priority locations and a final report intended to support future construction funding.

Consultants and budget: HDR is the prime consultant; the team includes a safety‑focused subconsultant (Y2K) that will evaluate collision risk and recommend safe treatments. Staff said the consultant selection emphasized public engagement experience and the ability to deliver designs and quicker‑build pilot projects within the project budget.

Public engagement plan: Staff described a multi-pronged outreach strategy beginning with a self‑guided online engagement window (initially planned late May into June, adjusted to start May 29) and on‑the‑ground outreach such as a presence at the June 1 farmers market. The outreach will target corridor neighbors through postcards, social media, and partnerships with schools and neighborhood groups. The project includes a Heritage High School ‘‘student ambassador’’ program to solicit youth feedback and social outreach support. Staff said they will also mail flyers to nearby addresses and coordinate with school PTOs and LPS communications for distribution.

Modal prioritization and design scope: The study will identify modal priorities (pedestrian, bicycle, transit, vehicle) along corridor segments and propose a framework to resolve trade‑offs when right‑of‑way space is constrained. Staff said the study will develop quick‑build projects for immediate safety improvements and produce five 30% design packages that will help the city pursue grant funding and set up future bid-ready projects.

Timeline and next steps: The study timeline runs through late 2025 (staff presented March–December 2025). Staff said they’ll return to the TMB after initial engagement, when draft alternatives and the modal‑priority framework are developed, to get board input on trade‑offs and priorities. The study is intended as the first of multiple corridor studies; staff applied for additional federal funding to expand the work to up to 10 corridors and expected a funding announcement in July.

Questions and concerns raised: Board members asked about the consultant’s prior work and specific technical decisions. One board member raised concerns about past school‑zone enforcement changes tied to Y2K work; staff said the Alati study includes an emphasis on public engagement and safety analysis and acknowledged that some past decisions generated debate. Staff emphasized the study’s public engagement measures and the 30% design deliverables as ways to help projects become competitive for grant funding.

Public and civic involvement opportunities: Staff encouraged TMB members to help disseminate engagement materials and attend events. Staff committed to bringing alternatives and draft frameworks back to the board for review before formal presentations to city council.