Longmont can move ahead with $1.2 million in improvements to the Colo. 119 and Sunset Street intersection after the state approved the city’s project for funding as part of a plan to improve Colorado’s main streets.
The Colo. 119 and Sunset Street project was among 30 transportation projects worth $58.9 million in the Denver and Boulder regions that were selected for improvements. The list of approved projects was announced Tuesday by the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Denver Regional Council of Governments.
The projects were picked after an in-depth review process that focused on applications that focused on safety improvements, according to a news release.
“This collaboration between CDOT and DRCOG has produced creative, innovative projects that will reduce traffic delays and increase transportation access and options for Coloradans,” Gov. Jared Polis stated in the release. “The Safer Main Streets program is a great opportunity for local governments and the state to work together to ensure we are successfully serving their communities.”
CDOT and DRGOG formed the Safer Main Streets program last summer as part of the state’s five-year plan, which was developed with input from citizens in all 64 counties, the release stated.
“This innovative program, focused on the Denver metropolitan area, was a call-out to local government agencies to submit their best and most creative solutions to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes, increase support for all modes of travel and improve access and mobility for residents of all ages, incomes and abilities,” according to the release.
The improvements to the Colo. 119 and Sunset Street intersection include dedicated right- and left-turn lanes for north and southbound traffic and tie-in to Sunset Street, according to the project description.
Longmont Mayor Brian Bagley in the news release stated the improvements to the intersection will benefit people using every mode of transportation.
“This safety measure is critical, not only for people driving on this state highway corridor, but also to the people walking and riding bicycles across this corridor within our city,” Bagley stated.
