Xcel Energy began relocating utilities this week around 120th Avenue and Federal Boulevard in Westminster to lay the groundwork for multiple projects to improve the area’s traffic and trail system.
In January, construction of the underneath 120th Avenue.
Part of that $1.9 million project — funded in part with Adams County Open Space grants — includes improving a nearby pedestrian walkway under Federal Boulevard and the installation of almost a mile of concrete trails for the Big Dry Creek Trail system.
“The underpass project will tie all the open space trails together better than they are now, and people will also have separate access points to the trail system,” said assistant city engineer Dave Loseman.
In late spring of next year, a $4.7 million project improving the actual intersection will begin. When completed, that project will provide accommodations for six through-lanes on 120th Avenue, four lanes on Federal Boulevard, double left-turn lanes in all directions and right-turn lanes at all legs of the intersection.
The existing eastbound-to-southbound sweeping right-turn lane will be removed along with one bridge on the ramp to provide access to the underpass and nearby open space area, he added.
“We will be installing curbs, gutters, sidewalks and roadway lighting on both sides of 120th Avenue and Federal Boulevard along the west, south and east legs within 1,600 feet of the actual intersection,” Loseman said.
Motorists can expect occasional individual lane closures from now through the end of next year, but traffic will be maintained with no road closures, he added.
Funding for the project came from a $3.4 million federal award along with a Colorado Department of Transportation contribution of $200,000, with the city paying $1.04 million.
Austin Briggs: 303-954-1729, abriggs@denverpost.com or twitter.com/abriggs
