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Boulder staff propose 24/7 flexible loading zones and designated TNC pickup spots on University Hill
Summary
Chris Haglin, a Transportation Mobility staff member, told the commission on July 8 that curbside management work for University Hill began in July and that staff plan to propose several options built on earlier pilots.
Chris Haglin, a Transportation Mobility staff member, told the commission on July 8 that curbside management work for University Hill began in July and that staff plan to propose several options built on earlier pilots. "The flexible loading zones that we're proposing are basically 24/7 loading zones with 15 minute limits," he said, adding that staff will evaluate converting some traditional loading zones into flexible zones and will propose designated TNC (Uber and Lyft) pickup and drop‑off locations using geofencing.
Staff said the pilot and forthcoming changes respond to increased demand for short‑term parking, loading and unloading, and for deliveries from Amazon, FedEx, UPS and USPS. The plan will also consider hotel operations where valet has created backups onto Broadway; staff noted the Moxie Hotel as an area to study for valet and curbside management coordination.
Engagement: staff said they will first review options internally with a small group and then conduct broader stakeholder outreach with property owners, businesses, the Hill Merchant Association and commercial users of loading zones in July and August. Commissioners Tel and Trent volunteered to serve as liaisons for initial engagement. Staff aim to finalize curbside changes in August and roll out a communications plan in September, followed by signage installation in late September.
On enforcement and technology: Haglin said TNCs would be guided by geofencing so drivers are directed to designated pickup/drop‑off points. "They would be required to use those as pickup and drop off locations," he said. Staff described other cities and event venues (for example, Red Rocks) that restrict pickup to a small number of designated locations during events to avoid traffic backups.
Why it matters: formalizing flexible loading zones and designated TNC locations is intended to reduce curbside congestion, improve delivery and hotel access, and provide foundational traffic management for large events such as Sundance. The commission will review proposed options during the stakeholder engagement period.
