Council approves contracts for W. 112th/Uptown Complete Streets project after debate over bike-lane design and federal funding

The City and County of Broomfield on March 18 approved three resolutions to move forward with the W. 112th and Uptown Complete Streets project, which will widen the roadway to four lanes, add bicycle facilities, build a multiuse side path and construct a railroad crossing and connection to the US 36 Bikeway.

The contracts include a construction agreement with American West Construction LLC and construction management/inspection agreements with consultant FHU and Felsburg, Holt & Ullevig. Council voted unanimously, 9-0, to approve the three resolutions this evening.

Broomfield Capital Improvement Program manager Brian Graham told council the roughly $7.2 million project is funded about half by state and federal grants (including CDOT funding and a reimbursable grant noted in the staff packet) and half by local funds. He noted about $500,000 of grant funds already have reimbursed design costs and the city has contractual termination clauses that limit exposure to money already spent if grants fall through.

The project drew sustained council discussion on design decisions for bicyclists and pedestrians and the process used to prioritize the work. Council member Ward said he supported the overall project but urged stronger safety measures for bikes and pedestrians and noted code decisions on lane widths made in 2022 limit future design choices. "There is still room for improvement with this project and with projects going forward," Ward said. He added, "There is no price we can put on someone's life or…