City engineering updates: Blake Avenue, Sixth Street, Southbridge move forward; staff plan pedestrian safety tweaks

City engineering staff briefed the council on multiple capital projects and safety measures.

Ryan Gordon reported the Blake Avenue waterline and sewer replacements are installed and tested, stormwater piping is largely in place and curb/gutter and sidewalks are being poured; paving is scheduled as crews complete underground work. He said a shallow gas line required coordination with Black Hills Energy and noted the team is working toward a September target to complete the project.

On Sixth Street, staff shared photos of the new shared‑use path, colored concrete, raised crossing treatments and landscaping. The project includes diagonal and parallel parking with time limits to encourage turnover and new wayfinding; staff said temporary signposts remain until light poles and permanent signage are installed. Rapid flash beacons for pedestrian crossings were reported as arriving and slated for installation by the end of July.

Southbridge is moving through right‑of‑way steps: staff held a large public meeting at Sopris Elementary, issued notices of intent (NOIs) for temporary and permanent easements as required under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act (the "Uniform Act"), and are coordinating environmental reviews and final design with Jacobs Engineering in anticipation of bidding after September, staff said.

Councilors asked how the Sixth Street design will handle e‑bikes and pedestrian flows; staff said they would consider signage, dismount zones for narrow areas, and using River Road to divert canyon riders. Councilors suggested the transportation commission examine broader bike/ped policy; staff agreed to refine signage and wayfinding plans.