Drivers along Alameda Avenue are adjusting to a new traffic pattern as Denver tests changes designed to make the busy corridor safer
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The city has reduced the roadway to one travel lane in each direction and added a dedicated center lane for left turns. The temporary setup runs between Franklin and Lincoln Streets
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The changes come after concerns about crashes along Alameda, including rear-end, sideswipe and turning-related collisions. Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure said separating turning vehicles from through traffic could reduce crashes in the area by as much as 25 percent.
For some neighbors, the changes have already made a noticeable difference
Shawnda, who has lived in the area for 14 years, said crashes have been one of her biggest concerns
“We have been lucky that no one’s been seriously, seriously injured, but I have seen people who are cut out of their vehicles right here,” Shawnda said
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She said she has also noticed drivers slowing down since the new setup went in
“We have a neighbor that actually bought a speed camera and the drop in speeding is significant,” Shawnda said. “We had people regularly going 50 miles an hour on this road. People regularly like 50 miles an hour on the side, but now the amount of people going 50 has dropped significantly. The average speed is between 30 and 35, as it should be on the road.”
Shawnda said the added space between moving cars and the sidewalk also makes her feel more comfortable walking along the corridor; however, the changes have come with some frustration for drivers and businesses
Loren Medina, co-owner and general manager of Goudy’s Deli & Market, said she has noticed more congestion during the evening commute and that it now takes her longer to get to work
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He also said the first day of the changes caused confusion when cones temporarily blocked part of the business’s parking lot without clearly explaining that another entrance remained available
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure said the temporary design will allow the city to collect real-time information before deciding whether the traffic configuration should remain
Officials will look at traffic patterns, vehicle speeds, crashes and impacts on nearby businesses and neighborhoods
Shawnda is asking people to give the project time
“Just wanted to say give this project some time to and get some time to adapt because change is hard, especially at this level. But I have to say it’s worth it,” Shawnda said
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Some safety improvements are already permanent, including the reduction in the speed limit from 30 to 25 miles per hour, along with new crosswalks, left-turn signals and other pedestrian improvements.
The city said it will use what it learns from the temporary setup, along with community feedback, to help determine what Alameda Avenue should look like going forward
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