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North Richland Hills council approves closure of Colorado Boulevard to stop cut-through traffic
Summary
After weeks of neighborhood complaints and traffic data, the City Council voted 7–0 to close Colorado Boulevard between Harwood and Boulevard 26, installing a temporary barricade followed by a permanent emergency access gate to preserve emergency access while limiting nonlocal traffic.
The North Richland Hills City Council voted unanimously on Feb. 9 to close Colorado Boulevard to through traffic between Harwood and Boulevard 26, a move staff and several residents said is aimed at stopping persistent cut-through traffic that has threatened neighborhood safety.
Caroline Wagner, an assistant city manager/engineer, told the council that data show a “notable portion of traffic is cut through” the neighborhood and that the street’s straight, legacy alignment invites nonlocal motorists to bypass signalized intersections. Wagner recommended a phased approach: a temporary barricade north of Stanley Street and, within six months, a permanent emergency access gate that would preserve fire and police access while restricting civilian through trips.
Residents who live near Colorado told the council the problem is urgent. Bill Finstead of 7701 Terry Drive said the neighborhood has endured “aggressive driving behavior, incidents involving a child being struck, and even a reported situation involving a firearm as well as an assault,” and called closure “a reasonable targeted and data supported solution.” Jeff Paul, who lives on Colorado Boulevard, backed staff’s recommendation and urged council to “listen to Caroline Wagner.” Another resident said neighbors with small children worry about drivers going off the road to avoid speed humps.
Wagner said prior measures — speed humps and truck restrictions — did not sufficiently reduce cut-through traffic, in part because drivers bypassed constrained points. Staff told council that because the neighborhood’s connectivity remains above city standards, the targeted closure would not isolate the area but would restore Colorado’s intended function as a local street.
Council member (unnamed in the transcript) moved to approve ordinance 3,943 to close the street; the motion carried 7–0.
The closure is to be implemented in phases: temporary barricade near Stanley Street, then a permanent emergency access gate to maintain emergency-response access. City staff will return with implementation timing and details on signage and coordination with navigation providers as part of broader traffic-calming work.
The council’s vote ends the public hearing and formalizes staff’s recommendation for the closure.
