I-25 Broadway Interchange Project

For construction Updates and Issues:

Please see the link below for Updates

Official Update and exciting news for the neighborhood!  

Through nearly two years of advocacy, the representatives of the Lincoln/Broadway Corridor RNO and West Washington Park Neighborhood Association have received some long awaited good news regarding the I-25/Broadway Interchange project. We have argued that the project will further divide the neighborhood with its car-focus infrastructure and would decrease safety for pedestrians and other multi-modal users. The plan forced pedestrians to cross up to 19 lanes of traffic to reach RTD’s Broadway station just 1/3rd of a mile away. The project also includes the demolition of nine missing middle income housing units to make way for a new onramp.


On Sept. 1st, Our two neighborhood organizations submitted position letters that were sent to DOTI explaining the issues as well as potential solutions. The letters gained support throughout the city and caught the attention of other organizations (Including, Baker Historic Neighborhood Association, Greater Denver Transit, Mayor's Pedestrian Advisory Committee, to name a few). 


In Mid-December when our letters went unanswered, a petition was created to help gather additional support. Thankfully, at the end of December, DOTI reached out for a meeting with representatives of the two neighborhoods. During the meeting, we voiced our concerns further and reviewed preliminary plans with more conversations to come. On February 13th, the representatives of the neighborhood were invited again to review. On February 14th, DOTI released this press release announcing some important news regarding the project. 


                                         

Nancy Kuhn

Dept of Transportation and Infrastructure

nancy.kuhn@denvergov.org

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                        February 14, 2023


 

DOTI Explores Increasing Scope of Travel and Safety Improvements in the Broadway and I-25 Area

                 

Denver – Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) is responding to requests for additional safety improvements for people who walk, bike and roll in the area of Broadway and I-25, committing to exploring more safety enhancements and funding them.

 

This work would be in addition to two other projects that will make it easier and safer for people to travel the Broadway corridor. The $14.3M Broadway Multimodal Improvement Project, which kicked off last October, is improving pedestrian crossings and adding a two-way protected bikeway between 7th Avenue and Center Avenue. Another project will make multimodal safety and travel improvements south of Center Avenue, in the area of I-25 and Broadway and the RTD Broadway Station. That work, that is anticipated to start before the year is up, will:

 

·         Build a new way for people to access the RTD Broadway Station on foot or on wheels via Exposition Avenue, which was extended west of Broadway in an earlier phase of travel improvements.

·         Extend the two-way protected bikeway being built on Broadway from 7th Avenue to Center Avenue, down to Exposition Avenue, to help complete that safe, new connection to the station.

·         Improve people’s safety and comfort levels walking to and from the station from the east with a new traffic signal and safer pedestrian crossing at Ohio and Lincoln.

·         Improve how people in cars access the I-25 southbound ramp from Broadway.

 

Amid calls from local neighborhood groups to further improve safety for walking, biking and rolling to the RTD Broadway station from West Washington Park, DOTI has committed to exploring additional improvements that would be added to the scope of work already planned.

 

These additional improvements, shown on the attached map, include:

·         Engineering treatments to protect pedestrians by slowing right hand turns from Broadway onto Ohio Avenue.

·         A new east-west pedestrian crossing at Broadway on the south side of Ohio Avenue.

·         Installation of 10’-12’ foot multiuse paths on both sides of Kentucky Avenue, Broadway, Ohio Avenue and the east side of Bannock Street within the current project limits.

·         The removal of one northbound lane of South Lincoln Street from Ohio Avenue to the traffic signal to the north (approximate 600 feet) to shorten the pedestrian crossing distance and provide a wider buffer for pedestrians on the east side of Lincoln.

·         Increasing the visibility of pedestrians with a raised crosswalk where cars access I-25 Southbound from Broadway.

 

In addition, and in response to community concerns, DOTI is also formally committing to working with state and federal partners to explore the option of abandoning a future phase of improvements that were planned for the I-25 and Broadway intersection that called for replacing the ramp to northbound I-25 from Broadway – a phase that would result in the loss of some homes, and that has not yet been funded.

 

I-25 and Broadway interchange and area travel improvements were explored and outlined in great detail in an environmental assessment that was completed in 2008 and revisited more recently to obtain federal funding and approval from the Federal Highway Administration.

 

###

broadway-area-safety-measures.pdf

“We are thankful to DOTI for reaching out to us to work together with the neighborhoods on this project that will affect the city for decades to come. While we still have questions about the specifics. The DOTI project team is actively listening, collaborating, and working with us to improve the project.” says Amy Kenreich and Brittany Spinner


One of the biggest revelations within the press release issued by DOTI, is that they are exploring the possibility of not rebuilding the I-25 Northbound onramp at the 800 block of S. Lincoln. The Neighborhood would like a stronger answer and hope that DOTI will ultimately cancel this phase of the project. In the meantime, the neighborhoods are still working with DOTI to refine the designs to create a safer environment for the future of the West Washington Park/Baker neighborhoods.

Overall Project Summary and Status Updates

For almost 20 years, the neighborhood has been requesting changes to the existing designs of this project citing concerns over safety, cut-through traffic, increased traffic levels, lack of accessibility to the RTD station, and most importantly the demolition of the homes on the 800 block of south Lincoln. The project was triggered in the early 2000's by the citywide plan to convert the abandoned Gates Rubber Factory into a new transit-oriented development that will shift the center of Denver to his are, making Broadway Station the "new" Union station.

In 2006, CDOT developed a study of the area to find out the environmental effects of this project on the area and created a recommended plan. Iin 2007, a historical survey was done of the homes on the 700 S. Lincoln Block and the 800 S. Lincoln block and two homes were excluded from the survey. By 2008, the design was revised to what is found in the current plan that includes the demolition of the homes on the 800 S Lincoln Block. 


Read more about CDOT's Historic Findings & Section 106 including the L/BCRNO Responses:

CDOT - Section 106 - National Register of Historic Places Review #1 

L/BCRNO Response:   Section 106 - Position Letter #1 - Feb. 25, 2021

CDOT - Section 106 - National Register of Historic Places Review #2- Responding to L/BCRNO Letter#1 

L/BCRNO Response:   Section 106 - Position Letter #2 - May 19th, 2021

CDOT - Section 106 - National Register of Historic Places Review #3- Responding to L/BCRNO Letter#2 

L/BCRNO Response:   Section 106 - Position Letter #3 - Oct. 25th, 2021


Neighborhood Position Letters and Outreach:

On September 1, 2022, based on extensive outreach, L/BCRNO, and WWPNA sent position letter containing an addendum that includes extensive feedback received from the neighborhood since 2021. The position letters were sent to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Position Letter: Lincoln/Broadway Corridor RNO

Position Letter: West Wash Park Neighborhood Organization

Addendum: Signed by Lincoln/Broadway Corridor RNO and West Wash Park Neighborhood Association


On Nov. 4th, Baker Historic Neighborhood organization submitted a position letter in support also of L/BCRNO and WWPNA's outreach efforts and suggestions.

Position Letter: Baker Historic Neighborhood Association


Our letters and outreach have gone without any response from CDOT and DOTI

As of Dec. 12th, 2022, despite numerous meetings, requests and follow-ups, DOTI has not responded to any of the neighborhood letters and has chosen to proceed with the project without any changes to the existing plans.

This is not new since in 2019 DOTI had also decided not to listen to neighborhood feedback.


The project does not follow any of it's own project goals listen in their Environmental Analysis.

Below is a list of the own's project goals, but under further examination the project is not meeting these goals, nor is it meeting the multi-modal promises that the project outlined in their request to gain DrCOG's TIPS funding. 


1.4 PROJECT GOALS The project purpose statement and goals were developed through extensive coordination with the project stakeholders including the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Regional Transportation District (RTD), and the City and County of Denver (CCD), as well as the Consensus Committee and through other public involvement activities. 

Goals were developed to guide the alternative development and evaluation process and indicate desired outcomes secondary to meeting the purpose and need of the project. Goals were used during the evaluation of alternatives to distinguish among alternatives. Some goals may relate directly to the project Purpose and Need and some may identify other desirable results from the project. 

The following project goals have been identified for the South Broadway Environmental Assessment (EA):  


Project Information and Resources:

Denver Department of Transportation's project         

DRCOG TIP Application (Phase 2, Segment 3 is funded. The funding request Phase 4 rebuilding of the N. I-25 Ramp TIP request coming soon) See the following attachments that are mentioned in their application

2008 Environmental Assessment (Chapters. 1-3) ( See page 29 for the "Project Goals)

2008 Environmental Assessment (Chapters. 4-6) ( See page 29 for the "Project Goals)

Findings of No Significant Impact - Report - I-25 Broadway Interchange Project 


Sign the petition and show your support

We need your help! 


Please consider signing the petition below to help stop the demolition of our neighbors homes. 


Please share this with your friends and neighbors


Neighborhood Updates: 1/17/2023

1/17/2023 - Updates regarding waiting for a response to our position letter.




Next Steps:  Waiting until end of January for a response from DOTI regarding the feedback we delivered. We hope to have good news, and revised planning that incorporates the neighborhood’s feedback.






Additional Support from all over Denver:




Media Coverage:




Current design of the project shown below 

 Due to start construction Q1 2023

Updates: September 12th, 2022 - DOTI Advisory Committee

Based on the position letters that were sent, the DOTI Advisory committee asked the project managers for the project and team from DOTI to present. Please watch the deliberation below.

Updates: September 1st, 2022 - 

Position Statement issued to DOTI on behalf of the organization based on feedback and outreach between Jan. 2021 and August 2022.

LBCRNO Draft - Position Letter - I-25
Addendum - I-25 / Broadway Interchange - WWPNA and LBCRNO

Updates:  July 8th, 2022 - Responses from DOTI

On April 27, 2022 our neighborhood partner RNO (West Wash Park Neighborhood Association) held a meeting to discuss the upcoming I-25 Interchange project to bring outreach and awareness ahead of the walking tour. Representatives from DOTI were present and gave an update on the project. The neighbors had many questions that were not able to be answered effectively during the meeting and a follow-up response to the questions were offered. On july 8th, 2022, the following response was received with answers from the questions in the chat and verbally asked during the meeting. The following was passed onto our organization to provide outreach and support to our neighbors regarding the project.

NK I-25 Discussion Q A FINAL.pdf

Updates:  May 21st, 2022 - Neighborhood Outreach

Walking Tour - I/25 Broadway Interchange Project

Please provide feedback in the link below:

tinyurl.com/bdzsknc9 


The neighboring RNO's (WWPNA, BHNA and L/BCRNO), collaborated on a walking tour to discuss and inform the neighborhood about the upcoming project. Approximately 40 people were in attendance. The walking tour presented the history of the project, current plans, current renderings, and allowed the neighbors to see and experience this intersection themselves. 

For a PDF of the walking tour pamphlet please click here:


For images of the poster boards from the event, click here:

Photos above are courtesy of Chris Miller

I-25 Walking Tour- Final Pamphlet

Latest Updates:  May 16th, 2022

DOTI has updated their plan to show the new multi-use paths (Sidewalks), and the new crossings. Refer to the updated images below.  To submit your comments and feedback regarding this design please email transportation.LBCRNO@gmail.com

I-25 and Broadway Environmental Assessment Re-evaluation – Section 106 - Updates

Below is a notice that L/BCRNO received from CDOT on January 27, 2020

Hi there! 

You are receiving this letter since you are considered a consulting or interested party in the Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act Process for the above referenced project.  The purpose of the Section 106 process is to ensure that federally funded projects take into account the effects of their actions on properties of historic significance.  For more information on the Section 106 process, please go to this link: https://www.achp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2019-04/CitizenGuide2015v4-spreads%20layout.pdf

CDOT is completing a reevaluation of the I-25 and Broadway Environmental Assessment completed in 2008, to complete the Broadway, Ohio and Wedge Ramp project, and other related improvements.  This email and enclosed materials only addresses National Register eligibility of resources located within the project’s identified Area of Potential Effects.   In all, 31 properties 45 years of age or older were located within the project’s Area of Potential Effects.  Intensive level survey forms and evaluations were prepared for 19 properties. 


An evaluation of project effects on historic properties will be provided to you SEPARATELY, and will address proposed mitigation and historical interpretation concepts related to impacts to the Denver Tramway Trolley line on South Broadway. 


A summary letter, survey report and survey forms on the 19 properties can be found at this location: 


Please review the materials, and if you would like to  provide comments, please do so within 30 calendar days, no  later than Friday, February 26, 2021.  If we do not hear from you by that date, we will assume you have no concerns regarding CDOT’s findings. 


Please do not hesitate to let me know if you have questions or concerns.  


Thanks, Barbara

Barbara Stocklin-Steely, MS

Senior Historian, Region 1 Planning and Environmental CDOT

P (303) 757-9397

barbara.stocklin@state.co.us  |  www.codot.gov

2829 W. Howard Place, Denver, CO 80204

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

L/BCRNO response as of February 2, 2020

Brittany Spinner reached out to Barbara with some questions. Here is their Q & A:

Hi Brittany,


Happy February! To answer your questions, see information below.


Q: Could you please help me understand the next steps and what it means for the houses that were deemed worthy of historic landmark status? 


A: Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 requires entities – such as Denver – who are using federal funds for a transportation project to first identify historically significant properties with the project’s area of impact (Step 1).  Secondly, Denver must evaluate and minimize any adverse effects to these properties caused by the planned project (Step 2).  The applicant for the federal funds – in this case Denver – works with CDOT to complete these evaluations.  They are then submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office (History Colorado) and to other consulting parties (neighborhood associations, local historic preservation groups, etc.) who may have an interest in the project. So in terms of where we are in the process for this project:


Step 1:  Identify historically significant properties.   The letter we sent out last week addresses Step 1 only.   Denver originally identified historically significant properties affected by the I-25 and Broadway interchange improvements in 2008, but the project was not fully implemented at that time due to funding constraints.  So now that 13 years have passed, federal regulations require that Denver updates its 2008 efforts to identify historically significant properties.  So, the question at hand for the State Historic Preservation  Office and consulting parties (including neighborhood associations) is: Do you agree that we identified all of the historically significant properties within the project’s area of impacts?   


Step 2:  Evaluate effects to historically significant properties.  This step is coming next!  What this basically means is that the project must try to avoid and/or minimize any “adverse” impacts to significant historic properties identified in Step 1- so the project should try to not demolish historically significant properties if possible, to not remove historic features of these properties like historic fences or sidewalks, etc.  This second step will be addressed in a separate letter sent to the State Historic Preservation Office and consulting parties later in February or March 2021.  You will be able to comment on this step as well – this will also include the “final” proposed concept for the historic interpretation/pedestrian walkway that was presented to the neighborhood in December. 


Q: For the properties that they found to be worthy of landmark status, does the formal review by NHPA protect those buildings since they have been “qualified”?   


A: Great question!  The short answer is NO.  The project identifies properties that “qualify” for historic designation, and these properties are treated like they are formally designated for the purpose of the Section 106 process related to a specific project only.  SO, in this case the federally funded Denver I25/Broadway project must try to avoid and/or minimize adverse impacts to historically significant properties.  But that is the extent of the protection.  The Section 106 process does not formally confer any formal local, state or national designation on these properties. The owners of properties that qualify for listing in the National Register under the Section 106 process are free to alter or tear down their properties as they see fit.  The only exception to this would be for properties that already had a formal local, state or national designation on their property before the Section 106 process began for a project – then those properties would be subject to the protections afforded by those specific designations. 


Q: If just this review by the NHPA allows protections of those properties, what are the next steps to ensure that any construction would be done in a way to protect those buildings?


A: Hopefully, I addressed this in my response to your first question.  We will send a separate letter – with project plan sheets and design information – evaluating the project’s impacts to historically significant properties.  The State Historic Preservation Office and consulting parties (including neighborhood associations) will be able to comment as to whether the project is adequately minimizing and avoiding adverse impacts to historically significant properties.  In some cases, a project will add special provisions to the plans to ensure that historic properties are not impacted during construction, such as notes for contractors to protect a historic fence or mature plantings in front of a historic house.  


Q: Since the area has been noted to have historically relevant properties, is there any chance for CDOT to re-review the project scope to limit some of the sidewalk cuts, and reconstruction to help protect these buildings further? 


A: If there are new sidewalk cuts in front of historically significant buildings, you could certainly comment on that as part of the second step of the process.  The second step will dig deeper into the project design and its impact on historically significant properties.   Denver is designing the project to meet city standards and design criteria, and all of the sidewalk related work is occurring within city right of way, with no new impacts on private property.  But there will be more information on that in the second submittal. 


Please feel free to reach out to me if you have further questions.  I am happy to talk to you on a “google meet” if you have more questions, or feel free to call my cell phone at 602-692-4722. 


Thanks!  Barbara



---------------------------------------------------------------------------


Update: February 4, 2021 - Information and NHRP Report distributed to all of 700/800 Block of Residents.


We sent a letter to send out to our residents at 700 and 800 South Lincoln to notify them of this project. We have learned that Lincoln residents have the opportunity to provide input on some portions of the I-25/Broadway project.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Update: February 15, 2021

No residents at the 700 & 800 blocks of South Lincoln have communicated with us via email that they wish to seek Section 106 protections for their properties (if their properties had not already been identified).

One resident asked:

1) Do you know the timing of when the City of Denver will look to remove my home for the Project? 

2) Have there been any communications on how the City will go about taking one’s property?

Please attend our meeting February 17 to learn about the project and ask these questions. Additional ways to get involved are: Attend the DOTI meeting February 24 and You can also contact the Lucky District 7 office

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Update: February 18, 2021 - Special meeting of the RNO with residents of the 700/800 block and DOTI officials.

Last night in our RNO meeting, we learned more about the I-25/Broadway project. Segment 4 of the project (in which the 800 block of South Lincoln will be torn down) is unfunded at the moment, with no time certain.

The group on the call, which included residents at the 800 block of South Lincoln, voted to included the historical review about the homes at this block in the Section 106 letter back to CDOT. We reached out to all the property owners, and one confirmed to us that they would like to include additional historic review for their property. We will post a final version of this letter once it is written & submitted.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Update: February 25th, 2021 - Official Response Submitted regarding the Section 106 Process

The L/BCRNO comment letter has been submitted to Barbara Stocklin at CDOT. Thank you, neighbors, residents, property owners, members, and Maggie at the Council District 7 office for your assistance, support, and collaboration on this project.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Update: April 19th, 2021 - Received an email in response to our February 15th, 2021 letter.

Link to the letter received as well as the documentation

Hi there! 


You are receiving this email and links since you are considered a consulting or interested party in the Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act Process for the above referenced project.  The purpose of the Section 106 process is to ensure that federally funded projects take into account the effects of their actions on properties of historic significance. 


CDOT is completing a reevaluation of the I-25 and Broadway Environmental Assessment (2008), to complete the Broadway, Ohio and Wedge Ramp project, and other related improvements.  


The enclosed letter and letter attachments  address comments received from the WWPNA and L/BCRNO regarding CDOT's National Register eligibility findings for resources located within the project's identified Area of Potential Effects. This letter does not address neighborhood comments regarding the project scope and its effects on historic properties - those comments will be addressed in a SEPARATE letter.   


CDOT is required to forward any comments received on the Section 106 process for a specific project to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), and to address comments to the extent feasible.  The SHPO makes final decisions on National Register eligibility.


We appreciate the time and effort the neighborhood associations went to conduct historic research and provide thoughtful comments.  In response, CDOT has

A summary letter, map, and historic property survey forms  can be found at this location: 


https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1u9OzLWp_fHUe_1wYuf35OF7-BijJWAjM?usp=sharing


Please review the materials, and if you would like to  provide comments, please do so within 30 calendar days, no  later than Wednesday, May 19, 2021.  If we do not hear from you by that date, we will assume you have chosen not to comment on CDOT's findings. 


Please do not hesitate to let me know if you have questions or concerns.  


Thanks, Barbara

Barbara Stocklin-Steely, MS

Senior Historian, Region 1 Planning and Environmental

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Update: May 19, 2021 - L/BCRNO Board has reviewed and approved a response letter.

The L/BCRNO Board reviewed and approved a response letter to the findings above. 

You may view our response to CDOT here.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Update: September 29th, 2021 - We received an update from CDOT regarding the Section 106 process

Link to the letter and documents provided


Hi, You are receiving this letter since the entity you represent is considered a consulting or interested party under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act  (per the implementing regulations 36 CFR 800) for the above-referenced project.  


The purpose of the Section 106 process is to ensure that federally funded projects take into account the effects of their actions on properties of historic significance.  As part of this process, we are soliciting your concurrence or any comments you have regarding the project's effects on National Register eligible properties.  For this project review, National Register eligible - or historically significant - properties are those 6 properties that the State Historic Preservation Office confirmed as eligible on May 19, 1921 (see Table 2 of letter).  


To learn more about the Section 106 process go here:  https://www.achp.gov/protecting-historic-properties/section-106-process/introduction-section-106


The attached letter briefly summarizes CDOT's findings regarding effects on the 6 historically significant properties.   Please note that these findings are an UPDATE of findings from a prior review of Section 106 impacts that occurred as part of the 2008 South Broadway Environmental Assessment.  


A link to a report with more detailed information, including preliminary plans (Appendix A)  project graphics, and more detailed analysis of impacts on historic properties,  can be found at the below link.  Appendix C of the report also includes updated concepts of the Trolley historic interpretative "trail" which you are also welcome to comment on.   Link here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wfypfb5wToNJ-VTJAURExwPjD3-bTQ93/view?usp=sharing


Please review the materials, and if you would like to  provide comments, please do so within 30 calendar days, no later than FRIDAY, Oct. 29, 2021.  If we do not hear from you by that date, we will assume you have chosen not to comment on CDOT's findings.  


Do not hesitate to let me know if you have questions or concerns.   I am happy to answer any questions by email or phone, or to meet with you to go over the findings if that would be helpful.  


Thanks, Barbara

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Update: October 25th, 2021 - The L/BCRNO Board in collaboration with WWPNA's LUT Committee filed two letters in response.

The L/BCRNO board reviewed and approved a letter in response to the submitted information and the latest section plans of the roadway and the "Trolley Trail". A link to the letter is here.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------


Records of Letters Submitted as part of the Section 106 Process

Section 106 - Position Letter #1 - Feb. 25, 2021

Section 106 - Position Letter #2 - May 19th, 2021

Section 106 - Position Letter #3 - Oct. 25th, 2021

Section 106 Process - Records of Correspondence

Click on the arrow to collapse and view

Below is a notice that L/BCRNO received from CDOT on January 27, 2021

Hi there! 

You are receiving this letter since you are considered a consulting or interested party in the Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act Process for the above referenced project.  The purpose of the Section 106 process is to ensure that federally funded projects take into account the effects of their actions on properties of historic significance.  For more information on the Section 106 process, please go to this link: https://www.achp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2019-04/CitizenGuide2015v4-spreads%20layout.pdf


CDOT is completing a reevaluation of the I-25 and Broadway Environmental Assessment completed in 2008, to complete the Broadway, Ohio and Wedge Ramp project, and other related improvements.  This email and enclosed materials only addresses National Register eligibility of resources located within the project’s identified Area of Potential Effects.   In all, 31 properties 45 years of age or older were located within the project’s Area of Potential Effects.  Intensive level survey forms and evaluations were prepared for 19 properties. 


An evaluation of project effects on historic properties will be provided to you SEPARATELY, and will address proposed mitigation and historical interpretation concepts related to impacts to the Denver Tramway Trolley line on South Broadway. 

A summary letter, survey report and survey forms on the 19 properties can be found at this location: 


Please review the materials, and if you would like to  provide comments, please do so within 30 calendar days, no  later than Friday, February 26, 2021.  If we do not hear from you by that date, we will assume you have no concerns regarding CDOT’s findings. 

Please do not hesitate to let me know if you have questions or concerns.  


Thanks, Barbara

Barbara Stocklin-Steely, MS

Senior Historian, Region 1 Planning and Environmental

P (303) 757-9397

barbara.stocklin@state.co.us  |  www.codot.gov

2829 W. Howard Place, Denver, CO 80204


---------------------------------------------------------------------------

L/BCRNO response as of February 2, 2020

Brittany Spinner reached out to Barbara with some questions. Here is their Q & A:


Hi Brittany,


Happy February! To answer your questions, see information below.


Q: Could you please help me understand the next steps and what it means for the houses that were deemed worthy of historic landmark status? 

A: Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 requires entities – such as Denver – who are using federal funds for a transportation project to first identify historically significant properties with the project’s area of impact (Step 1).  Secondly, Denver must evaluate and minimize any adverse effects to these properties caused by the planned project (Step 2).  The applicant for the federal funds – in this case Denver – works with CDOT to complete these evaluations.  They are then submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office (History Colorado) and to other consulting parties (neighborhood associations, local historic preservation groups, etc.) who may have an interest in the project. So in terms of where we are in the process for this project:


Q: For the properties that they found to be worthy of landmark status, does the formal review by NHPA protect those buildings since they have been “qualified”?   

A: Great question!  The short answer is NO.  The project identifies properties that “qualify” for historic designation, and these properties are treated like they are formally designated for the purpose of the Section 106 process related to a specific project only.  SO, in this case the federally funded Denver I25/Broadway project must try to avoid and/or minimize adverse impacts to historically significant properties.  But that is the extent of the protection.  The Section 106 process does not formally confer any formal local, state or national designation on these properties. The owners of properties that qualify for listing in the National Register under the Section 106 process are free to alter or tear down their properties as they see fit.  The only exception to this would be for properties that already had a formal local, state or national designation on their property before the Section 106 process began for a project – then those properties would be subject to the protections afforded by those specific designations. 


Q: If just this review by the NHPA allows protections of those properties, what are the next steps to ensure that any construction would be done in a way to protect those buildings?

A: Hopefully, I addressed this in my response to your first question.  We will send a separate letter – with project plan sheets and design information – evaluating the project’s impacts to historically significant properties.  The State Historic Preservation Office and consulting parties (including neighborhood associations) will be able to comment as to whether the project is adequately minimizing and avoiding adverse impacts to historically significant properties.  In some cases, a project will add special provisions to the plans to ensure that historic properties are not impacted during construction, such as notes for contractors to protect a historic fence or mature plantings in front of a historic house.  


Q: Since the area has been noted to have historically relevant properties, is there any chance for CDOT to re-review the project scope to limit some of the sidewalk cuts, and reconstruction to help protect these buildings further? 


A: If there are new sidewalk cuts in front of historically significant buildings, you could certainly comment on that as part of the second step of the process.  The second step will dig deeper into the project design and its impact on historically significant properties.   Denver is designing the project to meet city standards and design criteria, and all of the sidewalk related work is occurring within city right of way, with no new impacts on private property.  But there will be more information on that in the second submittal. 


Please feel free to reach out to me if you have further questions. 


Thanks!  Barbara

---------------------------------------------------------------------------


Update: February 4, 2021

We sent a letter to send out to our residents at 700 and 800 South Lincoln to notify them of this project. 

We have learned that Lincoln residents have the opportunity to provide input on some portions of the I-25/Broadway project.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Update: February 15, 2021

No residents at the 700 & 800 blocks of South Lincoln have communicated with us via email that they wish to seek Section 106 protections for their properties (if their properties had not already been identified).

One resident asked:

1) Do you know the timing of when the City of Denver will look to remove my home for the Project? 

2) Have there been any communications on how the City will go about taking one’s property?

Please attend our meeting February 17 to learn about the project and ask these questions. Additional ways to get involved are: Attend the DOTI meeting February 24 and You can also contact the Lucky District 7 office


---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Update: February 18, 2021

Last night in our RNO meeting, we learned more about the I-25/Broadway project. Segment 4 of the project (in which the 800 block of South Lincoln will be torn down) is unfunded at the moment, with no time certain.

The group on the call, which included residents at the 800 block of South Lincoln, voted to included the historical review about the homes at this block in the Section 106 letter back to CDOT. We reached out to all the property owners, and one confirmed to us that they would like to include additional historic review for their property. We will post a final version of this letter once it is written & submitted.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Update: February 25, 2021

The L/BCRNO comment letter has been submitted to Barbara Stocklin at CDOT.

Thank you, neighbors, residents, property owners, members, and Maggie at the Council District 7 office for your assistance, support, and collaboration on this project.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Update: May 19, 2021

Please review our response to CDOT here.

I-25 Wedge Ramp / Broadway Interchange Project

I-25 Wedge Ramp - Update 4/12/2022

General Information:

The I-25 Wedge Ramp Project is part of the I-25/Broadway Interchange project which will be heading into construction as early as this year. 

Below is a summary of the overall scope of the project and how it will affect our neighborhood.


We encourage residents to review the plans and provide your feedback to CDOT and the State Legislature. 


Link to the most recent drawings/diagrams and results of the CDOT study.


This project was triggered due to the development of the Gates area and a NEPA study was conducted starting in the early 2000's. Funds and oversight are provided mostly by CDOT, Federal, and DOTI. Due to the federal funds, some historic studies, environmental studies, and traffic studies were conducted at the beginning of the project and are not reflective of current city policies or overall vision.


Scope of construction:

1) Removal of the Southbound I-25 onramp next to the old Ford Assembly Factory.

            - A new southbound onramp will begin on the northside of I-25 from Broadway, go under I-25 and rise up to meet the highway (This is known as the "Wedge ramp).

2) Removal and reconstruction of the existing I-25 Northbound ramp on Lincoln.

            - A new ramp will be constructed to increase the speed of traffic getting onto I-25. 

3) Reconstruction of the I-25 off ramp onto Lincoln to reduce the curve. (Increasing speed of exit).

            - This includes an unrestricted turn from the Lincoln off-ramp onto Ohio street. 

4) The intersection at S. Lincoln and Ohio will be expanded to include additional stop lights, reconstruction of the turn from Broadway onto Lincoln (to decrease the sharpness of the turn and increase speed), and additional infrastructure.

5) The entire 800 block of S. Lincoln will be demolished during this reconstruction and that space converted to an open field.

            - This will result in the loss of 3 "Missing Middle income" duplexes (6 units), and 3 single housing units. 

            - Two victorians on the 700 block (794 S Lincoln and 749 S Lincoln), and the historic brick sewer received protections from the National Register of Historic Places.


Further Links to Study:

This link shows community feedback as far as 2011. 

https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/transportation-infrastructure/programs-services/projects/south-broadway-i-25/public-outreach.html


Report of Significant Impact:

https://www.denvergov.org/content/dam/denvergov/Portals/479/documents/South%20Broadway%20Finding%20of%20No%20Significant%20Impact.pdf


This report dates back to 2008 regarding the environmental assessment of the project.

https://denvergov.org/files/assets/public/doti/documents/projects/s-broadway-i-25/web_south-broadway-final-ea_mar08_eaonly.pdf


Here is an "Interactive tour" from 2011 that shows before and after of the site.

https://www.denvergov.org/content/dam/denvergov/Portals/479/documents/I25BROADWAYInteractiveTourFINAL.pdf


1-25 Broadway Interchange - Phase 1 Update - Exposition Signal

1-25 Broadway Interchange - Phase 1 Update - Exposition Construction - Traffic Delays

Updates: September 1st, 2022 - 

Position Statement issued to DOTI on behalf of the organization based on feedback and outreach between Jan. 2021 and August 2022.