Residents press Longmont council to fix dangerous Airport Road/17th intersection

Longmont residents used the public-comment period at the Dec. 9, 2025 study session to press the City Council for faster action at the dangerous intersection of Airport Road and 17th Avenue.

Several residents from the Lake McIntosh Farm neighborhood described repeated collisions that have damaged homes and property and posed risks to children walking to nearby Westview Middle School. "Airport Road and 17th are now both used as de facto cross-town thoroughfares, and speed limits are rarely followed," said Rebecca Tisdale, a long-term resident. She asked for immediate mitigation, including rumble strips and improved signage, and suggested a roundabout as a longer-term solution.

Louis Horn, another resident, said he has observed at least seven property-damaging incidents since moving into his neighborhood and asked the council what it is waiting for. Residents also suggested lit crosswalks, delineator posts to prevent dangerous right turns and stronger enforcement at the site.

Council response and context: Council members acknowledged the problem and pointed to the city's Vision Zero program and existing traffic-monitoring tools (mobile speed trailers and enforcement trailers). Staff said the city typically deploys speed-monitoring trailers for two to three weeks at problem locations and will consider adding Airport/17th to that rotation. Staff also noted the cost and complexity of installing a traffic signal or roundabout, which may require broader capital planning.

Next steps: Councilor Christ highlighted a Vision Zero task-force meeting scheduled for Thursday at 6 p.m. at the senior center that will include discussion of 17th Avenue mitigation. Residents requested faster short-term measures while long-term options (roundabout or signal) are evaluated.