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Council approves $460,000 to hire consultant for US 6–Wadsworth interchange aesthetic plan; construction expected through 2028
Summary
The Lakewood City Council authorized a $460,000 supplemental appropriation to hire a consultant to design aesthetic enhancements for the U.S. 6 and Wadsworth interchange; staff said work will be coordinated with CDOT, with construction likely from 2026 through 2028.
Lakewood City Council on Feb. 10 approved an ordinance on second reading that supplements the 2025 capital-improvement budget by $460,000 to pay a consultant to design aesthetic enhancements for the U.S. 6 and Wadsworth interchange.
The appropriation (Ordinance O2025-4) passed 9-0 after council members praised city staff for coordinating with Colorado Department of Transportation plans for the interchange work. Council members said the funds will pay for architectural features, facades on bridge abutments and landscaping intended to make the interchange safer and more visually appealing.
Mike Whitaker, Lakewood's city transportation engineer, told council that the consultant will prepare aesthetic designs to be incorporated into CDOT's construction plans. Whitaker said the current schedule calls for final plans and a contractor bid package in early 2026, with construction lasting roughly 2— to 3 years; that timeline would likely put substantial completion in 2028.
Councilor Cruz, one of the council members who spoke in favor, said the work will help ensure the large interchange becomes a point of pride for Lakewood rather than an eyesore. Council members also asked for public-facing documents and the project presentation to remain available on LakewoodSpeaks'.org.
Why it matters: The funding is intended to ensure the aesthetic elements and landscaping are included in CDOT's construction bid package so the features can be built as part of the larger interchange project. Council members said residents should expect construction activity in the area for several years.
What's next: Staff will execute a consultant contract; the consultant will finish designs and integrate them with CDOT plans with a goal of putting the overall work out to bid in 2026. The appropriation was authorized from capital-improvement funds.
