Download:
pdf |
pdfAdopted Sept. 21, 2022
Table of contents
Welcome!................................................................................................................................................ 1
Chapter 1: Learn what the plan’s about................................................................................................. 4
Plan framework............................................................................................................................................................5
Regional transportation planning priorities.......................................................................................................................... 5
State and federal context...................................................................................................................................................... 7
Planning process and public engagement........................................................................................................................... 8
Implementing Metro Vision........................................................................................................................................ 13
Implementing the 2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan......................................................................... 18
Partnership and collaboration.............................................................................................................................................18
Project and program investment priorities ..........................................................................................................................18
Transportation Improvement Program.................................................................................................................................19
What’s in the 2050 Metro Vision Transportation Plan?..............................................................................................20
Navigation icons................................................................................................................................................................. 20
Chapter 2: Discover the transportation system.................................................................................... 22
At a glance: the Denver region’s transportation system............................................................................................23
Regional Roadway System........................................................................................................................................27
Congestion ......................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Public transportation.................................................................................................................................................. 31
Coordinated Transit Plan.....................................................................................................................................................31
Bus service......................................................................................................................................................................... 33
Rail...................................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Paratransit........................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Human service transportation............................................................................................................................................ 34
Active transportation..................................................................................................................................................36
Benefits of active transportation......................................................................................................................................... 36
Active Transportation Plan.................................................................................................................................................. 36
Bicycling.............................................................................................................................................................................. 38
Walking............................................................................................................................................................................... 40
Supporting active transportation in the Denver region....................................................................................................... 40
Transportation demand management........................................................................................................................44
Providers and partners....................................................................................................................................................... 46
Emerging mobility......................................................................................................................................................49
Aviation...................................................................................................................................................................... 51
Denver International Airport............................................................................................................................................... 53
Buckley Air Force Base...................................................................................................................................................... 54
Colorado Aviation System Plan.......................................................................................................................................... 55
Operating the transportation system..........................................................................................................................56
Vehicle and infrastructure technology........................................................................................................................60
Vehicle technology.............................................................................................................................................................. 60
Infrastructure technology.................................................................................................................................................... 62
Safety.........................................................................................................................................................................63
Taking Action on Regional Vision Zero.............................................................................................................................. 64
Security and resilience...............................................................................................................................................68
Freight........................................................................................................................................................................69
Multimodal freight plan....................................................................................................................................................... 69
Delivery logistics................................................................................................................................................................. 69
Railroad crossing safety......................................................................................................................................................71
Truck parking...................................................................................................................................................................... 72
Freight trends...................................................................................................................................................................... 72
Asset management and system preservation............................................................................................................ 75
Roadway system and bridge preservation..........................................................................................................................76
Transit system preservation................................................................................................................................................ 77
Pedestrian and bicycle facility preservation........................................................................................................................78
Chapter 3: Explore funding and projects..............................................................................................79
Introduction................................................................................................................................................................80
Financial plan............................................................................................................................................................. 81
Revenue projections............................................................................................................................................................81
Estimated project costs...................................................................................................................................................... 83
Project solicitation and evaluation..............................................................................................................................84
Project and program investment priorities.................................................................................................................89
Other modes, services and facilities........................................................................................................................ 146
Vision (unfunded) projects....................................................................................................................................... 147
Amending the 2050 RTP......................................................................................................................................... 150
Amendment procedures....................................................................................................................................................150
2022 amendments.............................................................................................................................................................150
Chapter 4: Envision the outcomes......................................................................................................152
2050 RTP performance measures .........................................................................................................................154
Metro Vision performance measures .............................................................................................................................. 154
Regional transportation and mobility measures ...............................................................................................................156
Federal transportation performance management measures..........................................................................................157
2050 RTP and the six focus areas........................................................................................................................... 159
Safety.......................................................................................................................................................................160
Air quality.................................................................................................................................................................162
Regional transit........................................................................................................................................................164
Multimodal mobility..................................................................................................................................................166
Active transportation................................................................................................................................................168
Freight......................................................................................................................................................................169
Federal Transportation Performance Management measures.........................................................................................169
Environmental justice and equity priorities.............................................................................................................. 170
Identifying minority and low-income populations..............................................................................................................171
Potential effects on travel time to destinations for vulnerable populations.......................................................................173
Travel characteristics of minority and low-income populations.........................................................................................181
Benefits of the 2050 RTP in environmental justice communities......................................................................................182
Potential effects of the fiscally constrained 2050 RTP in environmental justice communities.........................................186
Other environmental justice considerations......................................................................................................................186
Environmental mitigation measures......................................................................................................................... 187
Environmental challenges........................................................................................................................................189
Conclusion...............................................................................................................................................................190
List of tables
Table 2.1: Value of goods by primary mode (2015-2045).......................................................................73
Table 2.2: Tonnage of goods by primary mode (2015-2045).................................................................73
Table 3.1: Regionally funded project and program investment priorities............................................... 94
Table 3.2: Locally funded projects and programs................................................................................120
Table 4.1: 2020 environmental justice populations in the Denver region and state.............................. 171
List of Maps
Map 1.1: The DRCOG region.................................................................................................................. 2
Map 2.1: Regional Roadway System .................................................................................................... 29
Map 2.2: RTD rapid transit system map............................................................................................... 35
Map 2.3: Regional active transportation network...................................................................................41
Map 2.4: Regional Complete Streets typology ..................................................................................... 43
Map 2.5: Way to Go transportation management associations in the Denver region............................47
Map 2.6: Airports in the Denver region..................................................................................................52
Map 2.7: Regional High-Injury Network and critical corridors................................................................67
Map 3.1: Fiscally constrained projects.................................................................................................142
Map 3.2: Fiscally constrained roadway network..................................................................................143
Map 3.3: Fiscally constrained managed lanes network.......................................................................144
Map 3.4: Fiscally constrained rapid transit network.............................................................................145
Map 3.5: Vision and fiscally constrained roadway network..................................................................148
Map 3.6: Vision and fiscally constrained rapid transit network.............................................................149
Map 4.1: Environmental justice areas...................................................................................................183
Map 4.2: Regionally funded multimodal projects and environmental justice areas .............................184
Appendices
Appendix A: DRCOG Overview
Appendix B: Federal Planning Framework
Appendix C: Public and Stakeholder Engagement
Appendix D: Environmental Justice and Equity Analysis
Appendix E: 2050 Transportation System Mobility Performance Measures
Appendix F: 2050 Small Area Forecast and Scenario Planning Analysis
Appendix G: System Performance Report
Appendix H: Financial Plan
Appendix I: MVRTP Revision Procedures and DRCOG Regionally Significant Projects Criteria
Appendix J: Coordinated Transit Plan
Appendix K: Taking Action on Regional Vision Zero
Appendix L: Denver Regional Active Transportation Plan
Appendix M: Regional Multimodal Freight Plan
Appendix N: Mobility Choice Blueprint
Appendix O: Environmental Maps
Appendix P: Map Information
Appendix Q: Acronyms
Appendix R: Adopting Resolution
Appendix S: Air Quality Conformity Determination Documents
Welcome!
Welcome!
Thank you for your interest in the 2050 Metro Vision
As the federally designated transportation planning
Regional Transportation Plan! The 2050 RTP sets the
agency for the Denver region, the Denver Regional
vision for the Denver region’s multimodal transportation
Council of Governments prepared the 2050 RTP
system and guides investment in the projects and
in partnership with the Colorado Department
programs to achieve that vision. Through the 2050
of Transportation, the Regional Transportation
RTP’s major project and program investment priorities,
District, local governments and other transportation
the region will:
stakeholders. Significant public engagement also
• Increase safety for all users of the transportation
system.
• Improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas
shaped the plan. In partnership with the public and
stakeholders, DRCOG will implement the 2050 RTP’s
project and program investment priorities that continue
to make the Denver region one of the country’s most
desirable places to live, work and play.
emissions.
• Expand the region’s rapid transit network.
I invite you to explore the 2050 RTP!
• Provide more ways to travel by car, bus, bicycle,
other mobility devices and foot.
• Expand travel options for vulnerable and
underserved transportation users.
• Prepare for and adapt to future changes in
transportation.
Douglas W. Rex, Executive Director
Denver Regional Council of Governments
Welcome! 1
Map 1.1: The DRCOG region
2
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
What is DRCOG?
DRCOG is a planning organization where local
governments collaborate to establish guidelines,
set policy and allocate funding in the areas of
transportation and personal mobility, growth and
development, and aging and disability resources.
Vision: Our region is a diverse network of vibrant,
connected, lifelong communities with a broad
spectrum of housing, transportation and employment,
complemented by world-class natural and built
environments.
The Denver region
The Denver region is a dynamic region of
3.4 million people and 58 communities anchoring
Colorado’s Front Range. Consistently rated
one of the best places to live in the country,
the region will add a million more people and
half a million more jobs by 2050. The 2050
Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
balances investments to address this new growth
while repairing and maintaining the existing
transportation system.
The Flatirons near Boulder are a popular destination for outdoor recreation.
1
Chapter 1: Learn what the plan’s about
Learn what the plan’s about
Plan framework
Regional transportation planning priorities
Denver Regional Council of Governments staff and
• Investing in a regional bus rapid transit system
partners developed the 2050 Metro Vision Regional
of corridors that can leverage federal funding
Transportation Plan to improve mobility for all users of
opportunities, attract high volumes of ridership,
the Denver region’s multimodal transportation system.
are ready for implementation and reflect regional
The 2050 RTP identifies specific project and program
geographic equity considerations.
investments to address the region’s transportation
planning priorities identified in the DRCOG Metro Vision
plan and through the 2050 RTP planning process:
• Creating a safety program to increase the region’s
investments in projects to eliminate transportation
fatalities and serious injuries. The program would
continue implementation of the Denver Regional
Council of Governments Taking Action on Regional
• Investing significant planning and financial resources
to further define and implement distinct transit
visions in several corridors throughout the region.
• Implementing mobility hubs at strategic locations
across the region to connect various travel modes.
• Continuing to implement the DRCOG Active
Vision Zero and CDOT’s Strategic Transportation
Transportation Plan through a program to
Safety Plan.
further develop the region’s high-comfort active
• Continuing to invest in programs for community
mobility planning and implementation, regional
transportation operations and technology, regional
air quality, commute options, and human service
transportation corridors, eliminate gaps and invest
in the 2050 RTP’s pedestrian focus areas and
short-trip opportunity zones.
• Creating a program focused on freight-related
transportation through DRCOG’s Transportation
investments to implement multimodal freight plans
Improvement Program.
recently adopted by both DRCOG and CDOT.
Learn what the plan’s about 5
2050 RTP priorities
The planning process also emphasized specific
considerations for projects contained in the 2050 RTP:
ility
b
o
lm
a
d
o
im
t
l
Mu
• Projects that are multimodal, recognizing the
unique context of each project and its location, and
that provide multiple benefits consistent with the
investment priorities.
• Projects with potential regional benefit (instead of
primarily local benefit or driven primarily by local
growth or development).
• County transportation forum candidate project
• Regional agency priorities (described in Chapter 3).
• Geographic balance of projects across the region.
Freight
rankings (described in Chapter 3).
Together, these project and program investment
priorities will address the region’s shared multimodal
transportation planning priorities.
Ac
6
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
t iv
et
ra n
s po
r t at
io n
State and federal context
Saf
ety
DRCOG updates the RTP every four years and amends
it frequently to ensure that its content remains relevant
and reflects current trends, needs and priorities. The
2050 RTP performs several functions as the region’s
multimodal transportation plan, including:
• Setting the region’s long-range vision for
transportation over the next 20-plus years.
• Reflecting a broad set of public and stakeholder
input.
• Demonstrating enough available revenue to fund
Air quality
the projects and programs identified in the 2050 RTP.
• Identifying how funds will be spent on projects
and programs across all modes of transportation.
• Conforming to all applicable air quality
regulations.
• Ensuring that transportation decisions don’t
negatively affect low-income and minority
communities more than others areas and provide
at least as much benefit compared with the entire
region.
Re
al
gio n
t
s
ran
it
• Incorporating the 10 federal planning factors into
the planning process: economic vitality; safety;
security; accessibility and mobility; environment;
multimodal connectivity; system management and
operations; system preservation; resilience and
reliability; and travel and tourism.
DRCOG carries out a comprehensive, continuing and
cooperative transportation planning process.
• Linking investment priorities to achieving
performance measure targets.
Learn what the plan’s about 7
Planning process and public engagement
Developing a multibillion-dollar transportation plan for
In addition to the general public, creating the 2050 RTP
the region is a complex, multiyear process. DRCOG
involved three regional agencies, 10 counties, 48 cities
leadership and staff believe that meaningful public
and towns, elected officials, transit operators, local
engagement is critical to an open process in which all
government staff, community-based organizations,
residents have the opportunity to provide input and
business groups and nonprofits.
share their vision for the future of transportation in
the Denver region. All outreach efforts are guided by
The two-year planning process began in the summer
its Board-adopted public engagement plan, People-
of 2019 and culminated with the DRCOG Board of
centered planning, projects and services.
Directors adopting the 2050 RTP in April 2021. The
resulting 2050 RTP represents the collective vision of
the public, stakeholders and DRCOG’s partners.
Input highlights
1,360
2 advisory
groups guided the
process through
12 meetings
219
3
photos
submitted
virtual public
meetings
1 public hearing
8
50 county transportation forum
meetings
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
6 pop-up
responses
to online
questionnaires
and activities
events where
470-plus people
shared their
input
282
comments
on draft plan
43 DRCOG committee and
board meetings
Promotion and outreach highlights
27
1,032
presentations to
regional partners
8,923
visits to online
engagement site
video views
#
116
social media
posts
13
eblasts sent
2,581
plan website
visits
Phases of public engagement
DRCOG considers early and ongoing engagement vital
and built upon previous phases. Phases included
to the success of the 2050 RTP. Outreach efforts for
visioning and educating, prioritizing investments,
the 2050 RTP were planned using a public engagement
analyzing scenario options, developing the plan, and
strategy (available in Appendix C) that divided the 2050
inviting public review of the draft plan. Highlights of the
RTP process into four phases with opportunities for
input that was received and the methods used to solicit
input. Each engagement phase served distinct purposes
feedback are shown on the opposite page and above.
Engagement for the 2050 RTP kicked off in summer 2019, when DRCOG staff attended fairs and festivals
around the region to ask people about their vision for transportation in 2050. Photo credit: DRCOG.
Learn what the plan’s about 9
2050 RTP public engagement strategies and milestones
The graphic below highlights several of the strategies
planning process. Many of the engagement strategies
used by DRCOG to reach the public in each phase of
in 2020 and 2021 were adapted to virtual methods
engagement and key decision-making milestones in the
due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Full details about all
Public engagement
1
June 2019
visioning
and education
2
November 2019
investment priorities
and scenario options
$
plan
kickoff
scenario
planning
analysis
small
area
forecast
Key plan milestones
Key regional stakeholders
Organizations involved in developing the 2050
RTP included: the DRCOG Board of Directors, the
Transportation Advisory Committee, the Regional
Transportation Committee, CDOT, RTD, county
transportation forums and local government staff.
10
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
project
solicitation
and evaluation
engagement strategies and results of the input can be
collaborated on public engagement to identify shared
found in Appendix C. Throughout the planning process,
priorities.
especially in Phase 1, DRCOG, CDOT and RTD
3
August 2020
plan development
4
February 2021
draft plan review
plan
implementation
and updates
(ongoing)
April 2021
plan adoption
fiscally constrained
project and program
investment priorities
Examples of engagement strategies used
$
survey
pop-up
events
scenario
budget
activity
advisory
groups
photo
contest
virtual open
houses
Learn what the plan’s about 11
Key milestones and stakeholder collaboration
DRCOG developed the plan with key stakeholders.
DRCOG’s Transportation Advisory Committee, Regional
Regular coordination and information-sharing among
Transportation Committee and Board of Directors also
DRCOG, CDOT and RTD helped ensure the 2050 RTP
provided regular input and guidance throughout the
represents the priorities of all three agencies.
2050 RTP development process and made decisions at
key milestones of the effort.
DRCOG obtained crucial local government feedback
through county transportation forums formed during the
Engaging underrepresented populations
2020-2023 TIP process. Each county’s forum included
One of the guiding principles of DRCOG’s public
participating local governments, CDOT, RTD and
engagement plan is the invitation and consideration of
other stakeholders. The forums served as stakeholder
perspectives from those traditionally underrepresented
sounding boards throughout the 2050 RTP process and
in transportation planning processes. Some examples
provided technical analysis and local government input.
include individuals who speak languages other
Separately from the county transportation forums, local
than English, people representing diverse cultural
government staff also provided insight and input into the
backgrounds, low-income individuals, people with
small-area forecast development.
disabilities and young adults. The development
of this 2050 RTP emphasized reaching out to
underrepresented communities early and often.
Find more details about the engagement strategies staff
used to develop this plan with the public in Appendix C.
Staff convened two advisory groups, the Youth Advisory Panel and the Civic Advisory Group (below) to
provide input and guidance throughout the development of the 2050 RTP. Photo credit: DRCOG.
12
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Implementing Metro Vision
METRO VISION
The counties and municipalities of the Denver region
have been advancing a shared aspirational vision of
Our place, our plan
the future of the metro area for more than 60 years.
The DRCOG Board of Directors adopted the first
Metro Vision plan (Metro Vision 2020) in 1997 and,
since then, has continued the dialogue about how
best to achieve the plan’s evolving vision. For more
than 20 years the DRCOG Board of Directors has
committed to addressing regional challenges through
shared aspirations that outline its communities’ desired
future and integrated plans that collectively serve as a
comprehensive guide for the development of the region.
What is Metro Vision?
The most recent version of Metro Vision was adopted in 2017 and
amended in 2019.
Metro Vision fulfills DRCOG’s duty to make and adopt a
Metro Vision outlines outcomes, objectives and
regional plan for the physical development of the region.
initiatives established by the DRCOG Board of Directors
to ensure the coordinated efforts of DRCOG’s many
The DRCOG Board recognizes that the success of
partners meet the evolving needs of the region’s
the visionary plan requires the coordinated efforts of
existing and future residents. The region grew from 1.89
local, state and federal governments; the business
million people in 1990 to 3.36 million in 2020. With that
community; and other planning partners, including
30-year, 78% increase, the needs of many residents
philanthropic and not-for-profit organizations. The Metro
remain unmet. Looking forward, the Colorado State
Vision plan does not replace the vision of any individual
Demography Office forecasts the region will be home
community; rather, it is a tool to promote regional
to an additional 1.05 million people by 2050, a 31%
cooperation on issues that extend beyond jurisdictional
increase over 2020. Population growth will continue to
boundaries. The plan anticipates that individual
place significant demands on the region’s transportation
communities will contribute to Metro Vision outcomes
system. Appendix E compares several aspects of
through different pathways and at different speeds for
mobility and travel between 2020 and 2050. The 2050
collective impact.
RTP strikes a balance in planning for an additional
million residents in the region while also maintaining
To learn more about Metro Vision and read the full plan
the current transportation system and expanding travel
document, visit metrovision.drcog.org.
options.
Learn what the plan’s about 13
Denver region population, 1990-2050
Metro Vision guides the work of DRCOG and its
partners’ shared actions to move the region toward
a shared future expressed in the five overarching
themes on pages 16-17. The themes organize 14
interrelated, aspirational future outcomes that DRCOG,
local governments and partners will work toward
together.
The 2050 RTP helps DRCOG and its many partners
1990 2020 2050
1.89 million
3.36 million
plus 1.47 million
4.41 million
implement the shared aspirational vision of Metro Vision
by identifying specific improvements to the transportation
system and its operations. Metro Vision’s transportation
improvements are also identified as project and program
investments throughout the 2050 RTP.
plus 1.05 million
Source: “Population by Single Year of Age,” State Demography
Office, Colorado Department of Local Affairs. Weld County portioning
applied by DRCOG.
The region’s transportation system includes roads and transit, but also sidewalks and paths used by
people of all abilities who walk or roll. Photo credit: Tiffany O’Connell (photo contest finalist).
14
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
As the Denver region experiences continued growth, improving transportation infrastructure is essential.
Learn what the plan’s about 15
Metro Vision themes
Healthy, inclusive and livable communities
A safe and resilient natural and built environment
Outcomes
Outcomes
• The built and natural environment supports healthy
and active choices.
• The region’s residents have expanded connections
to health services.
• Diverse housing options meet the needs of
residents of all ages, incomes and abilities.
• The region has clean water and air, and lower
greenhouse gas emissions.
• The region values, protects and connects people
to its diverse natural resource areas, open space,
parks and trails.
• The region’s working agricultural lands and activities
contribute to a strong regional food system.
How the 2050 RTP contributes to realizing this theme:
• Investments in active transportation and multimodal
options that improve the safety and convenience of
healthy and active travel choices.
• Transit planning and investments to support viable
• The risks and effects of natural and human-created
hazards are reduced.
How the 2050 RTP contributes to realizing this theme:
• Projects and programs to help manage travel
travel choices, including strategies and funding to
demand and provide safe, convenient alternatives
address ever-evolving needs of the region’s most
to single-occupant vehicle travel to help reduce
vulnerable users.
emissions and congestion.
• Actions to reduce regional disparities through
• Investments in trails, paths and other connections
a focus on environmental justice and equitable
for recreation, active transportation and a more
outcomes among diverse households and
well-connected trail network.
communities.
• Investments in freight and goods movement, a vital
part of the regional food system.
• Transportation safety, security and maintenance
activities to mitigate the effects of hazards and
improve local and regional resiliency.
An efficient and predictable development pattern
A connected and multimodal region
Outcomes:
Outcomes
• The region is comprised of diverse, livable
communities.
• Through a coordinated effort between DRCOG and
local communities, new urban development occurs
• The regional transportation system is wellconnected and serves all modes of travel.
• The transportation system is safe, reliable and
well-maintained.
in an orderly and compact pattern within regionally
designated growth areas.
• Connected urban centers and multimodal corridors
throughout the region accommodate a growing
share of the region’s housing and employment.
How the 2050 RTP contributes to realizing this theme:
• A wide range of transportation investments, from
new roadway and interchange capacity to new rapid
transit service and multimodal corridor improvements
How the 2050 RTP contributes to realizing this theme:
• Transportation investments in a range of
communities throughout the region, intended to
improve mobility and provide viable transportation
choices for diverse users.
• The 2050 RTP prioritizes project locations that help
encourage investment and reinvestment in existing
communities.
• A focus on multimodal corridors that connect the
region’s urban centers, including investments in
bus rapid transit, commuter rail and other corridor
to pedestrian and bicycle connections.
• A renewed focus on approaches that enhance and
ensure safety for all users, incorporating the safety
action plan, Taking Action on Regional Vision Zero.
• New technology and other operational investments
to improve reliability and mitigate increasing
congestion and delays.
• Continued regional and local investments in
transportation system optimization, preservation and
maintenance.
A vibrant regional economy
projects and programs to improve mobility, safety
and operations
Outcomes
• All residents have access to a range of
transportation, employment, commerce, housing,
educational, cultural and recreational opportunities.
• Investments in infrastructure and amenities allow
people and businesses to thrive and prosper.
How the 2050 RTP contributes to realizing this theme:
• Investments that improve multimodal access within
and to a variety of opportunity-rich destinations.
• A focus on equitable outcomes and opportunities
through catalytic investments.
• Investments that connect our region to producers
and consumers in Colorado, the United States and
across the globe.
Implementing the 2050 Metro Vision
Regional Transportation Plan
Project and program investment priorities
The 2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
The 2050 RTP’s project and program investment
sets the long-range vision and investment framework
priorities provide a framework to guide investment in
for the region’s multimodal transportation system.
the region’s multimodal transportation system. The
Multiple agencies throughout the region contribute
multimodal project investments define specific priorities
to implementing the 2050 RTP. State and local
for the region to implement as funding becomes
governments take action to implement the strategies
available and is allocated by DRCOG, CDOT, RTD and
and projects identified in the 2050 RTP and program
local project sponsors.
activities funded through the regional work program.
Partnership and collaboration
The program investment priorities provide direction to
future Transportation Improvement Program cycles to
program funds to specific programs and project types.
Implementing transportation projects crosses the
While each TIP development cycle includes distinct
boundaries of, and often requires collaboration among,
selection criteria, the specificity of the 2050 RTP’s
individual agencies and levels of government. DRCOG,
program investment priorities framework ensures its
which represents more than 50 local governments,
implementation through the TIP by allocating revenues
leads the region’s transportation planning process in
to specific programs in the 2050 RTP financial plan.
collaboration with CDOT and RTD.
Besides the TIP, the 2050 RTP project and program
Each partner brings a distinct perspective to the planning
investment priorities are also implemented through
process. CDOT manages, constructs and maintains
various studies, plans and project development
state highways. It also conducts statewide multimodal
processes by various stakeholders involved in the
transportation planning efforts. RTD handles the
transportation planning process. The 2050 RTP’s
development, maintenance and operation of a public
projects and programs help the region prioritize as
transportation system. Staff and elected officials from
funding becomes available.
DRCOG member jurisdictions bring knowledge of their
local areas and represent their communities.
18
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Transportation Improvement Program
The TIP assigns funding to transportation projects and
DRCOG selects projects through a cooperative process
implements the multimodal vision of the 2050 RTP.
and by using criteria consistent with Metro Vision’s
DRCOG develops a new program every two years and
strategic planning framework and the guidance of this
releases calls for projects every four years. Projects
plan. Project sponsors will complete the federally funded
selected for inclusion in the TIP are limited by funds
transportation improvements and management actions
expected to be available. Projects selected to receive
programmed in the TIP over a four-year period. Project
federal and state surface transportation funds, and all
sponsors include CDOT, RTD, local governments, and
regionally significant projects regardless of funding type,
others. The process is represented visually below.
must be identified in the TIP.
Transportation Improvement Program process
Metro Vision
state plans
special funding programs
Regional
Transportation
Plan
1
3
CDOT
RTD
local governments
other project sponsors
Transportation
Improvement
Program
Implement
Program
$
2
monitor performance
evaluate outcomes
adjust strategies and investments
Learn what the plan’s about 19
What’s in the 2050 Metro
Vision Transportation Plan?
Navigation icons
Chapter 2 provides an overview of the planning
Throughout the document you’ll find icons representing
framework and DRCOG’s regional partnerships. It
the six big ideas and priorities of the 2050 RTP:
reviews the current transportation network in the
Denver metropolitan area, including descriptions of the
Denver region’s current roadway, public transportation,
bicycle and pedestrian, aviation and freight systems.
It also covers strategies for transportation demand
management, emerging technologies, safety and
Multimodal
mobility
Safety
Air quality
Regional
transit
Active
transportation
Freight
security. Chapter 2 provides the foundation of the 2050
Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan by describing
the strengths of today’s transportation system and
needs of its users.
Chapter 3 proposes tactical investments in the
transportation system through 2050. It provides a list of
project and program investment priorities. In addition, it
The icons will call attention to each subject to make it
outlines available funding, the prioritization process and
easy to find what you’re looking for.
project implementation.
Chapter 4 considers the anticipated outcomes of
implementing the 2050 RTP, including effects on
the region’s performance measures, equity and the
environment. DRCOG based anticipated outcomes on
analyses of the projects identified in Chapter 3. Chapter
4 provides an opportunity to see how the transportation
system of 2050 may affect the lives of the Denver
region’s residents and visitors.
20
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Learn what the plan’s about 21
2
Roadway users spent 350,000 extra hours in traffic on an
average weekday in 2019. Photo credit: Rey H. Sosa
(photo contest finalist).
Discover the
transportation system
Chapter 2: Discover the transportation system
The future of the Denver region’s transportation system
• Traffic-related deaths and serious injuries are a
will be shaped by how the region responds to existing
public health epidemic and social equity issue
challenges and future opportunities. This chapter
in the Denver region, which may be improved by
summarizes the state of the system across the Denver
implementing Vision Zero and developing local
Regional Council of Governments planning area.
safety plans across the Denver region to eliminate
fatal and serious-injury crashes.
As DRCOG and partners developed the 2050 Metro
Vision Regional Transportation Plan, they reviewed
• Throughout the region, partners and local
existing conditions and identified needs and visions
governments have been constructing, expanding
established in previous regional transportation —
and connecting a high-comfort network of bicycle
and other — plans. During this process, several key
and pedestrian facilities. Planning and developing
takeaways emerged, including the following:
such facilities for the most vulnerable users make
them functional for people of all ages and abilities.
At a glance: the Denver region’s transportation system
The system is a mature and integrated regional network
transportation programs and services; and technologies
of multimodal transportation facilities and services. The
such as phone applications and roadway sensors.
purpose of the network is to provide access and mobility
The future of this system will be shaped by how the
for people, goods and services. Both public and private
region responds to existing and future challenges and
entities provide and maintain the system which consists
opportunities. This chapter summarizes the state of the
of multiple components including facilities and vehicles;
system today.
How extensive are the region’s roadways?
Types of roadway lanes by centerline miles
400 miles
700 miles
55 miles
How well is the system being maintained?
Bridge conditions
Roadway conditions
45
88
bridges bridges
1,425
miles
freeways
major
roads
local roads
toll roads
15,665
total centerline
miles of
roadway
14,500
miles
15,665
3,116
4,700
9,540 total centerline miles
miles
of
miles
total bridges
in the region
pavement
2,983
bridges
poor
fair
good
Discover the transportation system 23
• Innovation in transportation technology touches
all aspects of the system, from the introduction of
ride-hailing and shared micromobility to automated
shuttles and electric vehicles to implementation
certain corridors and within certain areas (such as
the Denver Central Business District).
• There is an ongoing need for more comprehensive
of intelligent transportation systems and the
regional freight planning to address anticipated
anticipated widespread adoption of connected
growth pressures and meet current and future
vehicles and infrastructure.
demand for moving goods.
• Total vehicle miles traveled has increased over time
• Agencies in the region have adopted a
with population and employment growth, but vehicle
performance-based asset management philosophy
miles traveled per person has not changed much
to preserve and maintain the region’s transportation
at the regional level, though major infrastructure
system. 52% of the region’s future investments will
investments have made a positive impact along
go toward maintaining and operating the system.
Which modes do people usually use to get to work?
73% single-occupant vehicles
4% public transit
8% carpool
4% walk/bike
10% work from home
1% other
How extensive is the bike network?
How does freight move through the region?
524 miles on-street
1,646 miles off-street
5
Interstates
24
6
U.S. Highways
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
36
State highways
574 freight railroadroadway crossings
2
Toll highways
Trucks carry over
90% of total goods
by tonnage.
2
Class 1 railroads
(BNSF and Union
Pacific)
How many traffic fatalities are there in
the region?
• The state of the Denver region’s transportation
to meet the needs of the community. The system
is a mature and integrated regional network of
multimodal transportation facilities and services.
The network provides access and mobility for
300
225
150
75
people, goods and services. Both public and
270
176
2019
local, regional, state and federal agencies working
2012
system is the result of decades of decisions by
Traffic fatalities
private entities provide and maintain facilities and
Does not include traffic fatalities in Clear Creek or Gilpin counties,
which are tracked by CDOT.
vehicles, transportation programs and services,
applications and roadway sensors.
How many electric vehicles are there in
the region?
4,478
4,500
3,150
How does the transit system serve the
region’s residents?
2,250
1,350
450
142 routes
4
2010
8 4
130
1,293 vehicles
1,026
201
55.4 million annual service miles
35.9 million
XX
5.5 million
14.1 million
24.5
million
60.5 million
3
Mountain passes
light rail
2019
How does Denver International Airport
serve the region?
66
94.8 million annual boardings
bus
Newly registered electric vehicles
9.7 million
672 million pounds of
cargo in 2019
commuter rail
4,000
Signalized intersections
69 million
passengers in 2019
22 million passengers’ origin or final
destination was within the Denver region.
9,800
Bus
stops
17,700
Sidewalk miles
8
Airports
Discover the transportation system 25
The majority of transportation in the region occurs
on the roadway system, on which people travel more
than 115 million miles every day in cars, buses,
vans, trucks and motorcycles.
The Regional Roadway
System carries people and
goods to, from and through the
region. Photo credit: CDOT.
26
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Regional Roadway System
The extensive roadway system that connects people
communities to arterial streets with businesses and
throughout the region serves multiple functions.
local residential streets with children playing. Arterial
Roadways consist of vehicular travel lanes; bridges
streets in denser urban and suburban settings often
and overpasses; parking and loading zones; sidewalks
serve as social activity places, corridors of commerce
and crosswalks; bikeways; bus lanes and bus stops;
and locations for essential services, all while facilitating
landscaping; traffic signals and message signs;
the movement of cars, buses, delivery vans, trucks,
bollards and guardrails. Roadway types range from
ambulances, firetrucks, pedestrians and bicyclists.
busy freeways that move 400,000 people a day to
rural highways serving agricultural and mountain
Average daily vehicle miles
traveled (2010-2019)
33
95
31
85
30
80
29
75
28
27
70
26
65
25
60
24
2019:
25.37 VMT per person
55
vehicle miles traveled per person
Total daily vehicle miles traveled in millions
32
2019:
0% VMT growth
84.3 million daily VMT
90
23
22
50
21
45
20
Vehicle miles traveled per person has
remained stable over the years as total
19
20
18
20
17
20
16
20
15
20
14
20
13
20
12
20
11
20
10
20
travel has increased with population growth.
Source: DRCOG travel model output
Discover the transportation system 27
The roadway system Denver residents and visitors know today has evolved over centuries. At the turn of the 20th century,
17th Street in Denver was used by pedestrians, bicyclists and the Denver Tramway. Photo credit: Courtesy of the Library of
Congress, Copyright 1906 by E. W. Kelley, LC-DIG-stereo-1s11060 DLC.
The roadways that are designated as part of the
identified in this plan. Transportation on the Regional
Regional Roadway System carry the most people and
Roadway System accounts for about three quarters of
goods to and from locations across the region and are
the region’s vehicle miles traveled.
28
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Map 2.1: Regional Roadway System
Discover the transportation system 29
Congestion
The number of people and vehicles on the road network
includes the 2019 Annual Congestion report that
has increased with population and employment growth.
discusses the data shown in the figure below. Through
Congestion occurs when the number of vehicles exceed
its Congestion Management Program and by using the
the carrying capacity on limited roadway space, often
Congestion Mitigation Toolkit, DRCOG monitors annual
concentrated during the peak travel periods of the day.
change and summarizes ongoing, effective mitigation
While traffic congestion may be a byproduct of a thriving
strategies. DRCOG and CDOT also use the annual
economy, there are a wide variety of negative impacts
congestion report to identify congestion hot spots and
from congestion including unpredictable travel times,
develop roadway projects and multimodal strategies to
increased freight costs, wasted fuel, air pollution and
address them, per federal guidance.
reduced quality of life.
As discussed in Chapter 3, congestion was one of
DRCOG reports annually on roadway traffic congestion
many factors used in evaluating candidate projects
and keeps up with management strategies to mitigate
for inclusion in the 2050 RTP. Additionally, the 2050
the impacts and extent of congestion in the region.
RTP includes several strategies from the Congestion
The figure below highlights key statistics on the use of
Mitigation Toolkit, including active roadway management,
the roadway system, including how many people move
transportation demand management, transit investments
throughout the region every day, and the trips they
and roadway capacity; strategies which are covered
make. DRCOG’s Congestion Management Program
further in this chapter and in Chapter 3.
How is the region’s transportation system used?
On an average weekday in 2019
30
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Public transportation
General public transportation
The region’s public transportation, or transit, network
Regular, continuing shared-ride surface
includes general public transportation, paratransit, and
transportation services that are open to the
human service transportation. The largest operator of
general public.
general public transportation in the Denver region is the
Regional Transportation District. In addition to operating
general public transportation, RTD also operates
Fixed route
paratransit. Several nonprofit, for-profit and volunteer
A system of providing designated public
organizations provide human service transportation.
transportation in which a vehicle is operated along
CDOT also operates intercity bus service, branded as
a defined route according to a fixed schedule.
Bustang and Bustang Outrider.
Coordinated Transit Plan
Paratransit
Complementary transportation service required by
The Coordinated Transit Plan Appendix J inventories
the Americans with Disabilities Act for individuals
existing transit services and identifies fiscally
with disabilities who are unable to use fixed route
constrained and envisioned transit service and system
transportation systems.
needs for the Denver region. It integrates transit modes
for both general public transit and human service
transportation. The Federal Transit Administration
Human service transportation
requires that projects selected under the FTA 5310
Shared-ride surface transportation services (often
Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with
demand-responsive services) that are open to
Disabilities grant program be included in a coordinated
segments of the general public defined by age,
transit plan.
disability or income.
RTD provides more than 98% of the trips on transit
in the region, which equated to more than 105 million
boardings in 2019 (about 300,000 a day).
Boardings
The number of times passengers board public
transportation vehicles.
Discover the transportation system 31
Part of the Union Station Transit Center, RTD’s 22-gate underground bus facility provides
convenient connections across the system. Photo credit: RTD.
32
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
FlexRide delivers first- and last-mile connections to other RTD Park-n-Rides and stations, medical centers and business parks.
Photo credit: RTD.
Bus service
Buses are the backbone of transit service for RTD —
Broadway and Lincoln in downtown Denver; and Flatiron
nearly 75% of all trips made by RTD users are on a bus.
Flyer service between Boulder and Denver in the
RTD operates 130 local, airport and regional fixed bus
Express Lanes along U.S. Route 36 and I-25.
routes serving 9,800 bus stops and 89 Park-n-Rides
with 30,000 parking spaces. RTD’s bus system had
RTD’s FlexRide offers demand-responsive service
almost 70 million boardings in 2019.
available to the general public within a defined service
area. This service generally operates in more suburban
RTD operates bus service on several corridors that
settings. Customers call to reserve a trip within each
have exclusive or semiexclusive rights of way, which
FlexRide service boundary. There were 500,000
enable faster, more reliable and more comfortable bus
FlexRide boardings in 2019.
service. Examples include the 16th Street MallRide in
exclusive right of way; bus routes in bus-only lanes on
Discover the transportation system 33
Rail
RTD’s rail network consists of 113 miles of rail along 12
fare. RTD’s Access-a-Ride paratransit service provided
rail lines served by 78 rail stations. In 2019, RTD’s rail
almost 900,000 boardings in 2019.
system had 34 million boardings. The total number of
boardings has increased as new lines and extensions
Human service transportation
opened in the past few years. The most recent addition
to the network is the N Line from Denver Union Station
Human service transportation includes specialized
to Thornton, which opened in September 2020.
services for older adults and individuals with disabilities. It
Paratransit
can also include services for people with lower incomes,
offered in areas where there are limited or no fixed-route
services. Major providers of human service transportation
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the region’s
in the Denver region include Via Mobility Services and
transit providers must also provide complementary
Douglas County, which contracts with multiple providers.
paratransit service within three-quarters of a mile of a
Many offer services that go beyond the requirements of
bus route or rail station, at the same hours and days,
the Americans with Disabilities Act; door-through-door
and for not greater than twice the regular fixed-route
services and in areas not covered by paratransit.
The N Line is RTD’s newest rail line and adds 13 miles and six stations between Denver Union Station and Thornton. Photo credit: RTD.
34
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Map 2.2: RTD rapid
transit system map
RTD’s rail system includes 12 rail lines
and 78 rail stations. Credit: RTD.
Discover the transportation system 35
Active transportation
What is active transportation?
• Safety: Planning for people who walk or bike
benefits all users of the transportation system,
Active transportation is a way of getting around
especially those with the greatest risk of suffering
powered primarily by human energy, via pedestrian
an injury or fatality when involved in a crash.
and bicycling travel modes. Pedestrian travel includes
Providing and maintaining facilities to increase
people walking or using wheelchairs, longboards and
the safety of people who bicycle and walk also
other mobility devices, such as walkers or crutches.
improves safety for drivers.
Bicycling includes any type of wheeled and pedaled
cycle, with or without a motor.
• Economic vitality: A 2016 Colorado study estimated
that bicycling and walking account for combined
health and economic benefits of approximately
The Denver region’s arid climate and abundant sunshine
$4.8 billion annually — $3.2 billion for walking and
makes it an ideal place for walking and bicycling.
$1.6 billion for bicycling.
Also referred to as active transportation, walking and
bicycling are flexible, accessible, healthful and clean
Active Transportation Plan
modes of transportation and can be used exclusively or
in conjunction with other modes.
Benefits of active transportation
• Health: Being physically active is one of the most
Active Transportation Plan Appendix L. DRCOG
developed the plan alongside the Active Transportation
Stakeholder Committee and other regional partners
during 2017 and 2018. The Active Transportation Plan
important ways people of all ages can improve their
highlights the region’s vision for a safe, comfortable and
health; bicycling and walking for transportation
connected active transportation network and highlights
and recreation can help adults and children
opportunities and implementation strategies. It promotes
meet recommended levels of physical activity
regional cooperation on active transportation topics and
established by the Centers for Disease Control
encourages staff of municipalities to share ideas and
and Prevention.
learn from each other to advance a more connected and
• Accessibility and mobility: Active transportation
contributes to a more equitable transportation
system by reducing accessibility barriers for people
who ride a bicycle, walk or use transit.
36
In January 2019, DRCOG adopted the first regional
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
cohesive active transportation network.
Active Transportation Plan framework
What does it mean for the region?
Regional active
transportation corridors
connect significant regional
destinations and may serve
longer distance bicycle trips,
as well as local walking and
biking trips.
The regional active transportation corridors are intended to allow
safe and comfortable access to existing and future regional
destinations for people of all ages, incomes and abilities.
Development of the corridors supports Metro Vision outcomes
related to creating a connected multimodal region and a vibrant
regional economy. The regional network can facilitate crossjurisdictional collaboration toward a common vision for a regional
active transportation network. Local facilities that connect to the
regional network are essential to improving mobility across the
region.
Pedestrian focus areas
have a high concentration of
existing or potential pedestrian
activity.
Efforts to improve pedestrian safety and convenience in pedestrian
focus areas will help the region achieve Metro Vision outcomes
related to livable communities, safety, health and transit integration.
Short-trip opportunity
zones are areas with a high
concentration of short trips (2
miles or less).
The average bicycle trip distance in the Denver region is 1.8 miles.
Areas with a large number of trips 2 miles or less hold potential for
converting car trips to bicycle trips, which will help fulfill a key Metro
Vision target of reducing single-occupant vehicle mode share.
Local active transportation
networks are routes that
connect residents to local
destinations and to the
regional network.
Local active transportation networks are the primary means by
which people get around by foot or bike. These networks carry the
bulk of active transportation trips and should connect to regional
active transportation corridors where possible. Additionally,
local facilities are the primary implementation mechanism within
pedestrian focus areas and short-trip opportunity zones. Local
bicycling and walking networks are defined by local agencies and
are not addressed in detail in the Active Transportation Plan.
Currently, the region’s pedestrians and bicyclists
make more than 2 million trips each day.
Discover the transportation system 37
The number of people who bike to
work in the Denver region is more
than twice the national average and
is increasing at a greater rate than
any other transportation mode.
DRCOG_Ch2_TravelTrends-ShortTrips_01.png
Bicycling
Residents of the Denver region, as well as statewide,
Icon style
embrace a bicycling culture. The number
of people who
bike to work in the Denver region is more than twice
the national average and is increasing at a greater rate
than any other transportation mode. Among the region’s
DRCOG_Ch2_CyclistTypes_01.png
residents, there are various perspectives on bicycling,
including 59% of people who define themselves as
(pie chart version)
“interested but concerned” — folks who would like to
bike but are concerned about safety.
Travel trends:
short trips
trips less
than 1 mile
trips less
than 3
miles
Types of bicyclists in the
Denver
Types of bicyclists
in the region
Denver region
somewhat
confident
highly
confident
19%
interested
but
concerned
nonbicyclist
4% 12%
25%
43%
59%
DRCOG inventories on-street and off-street bicycle
facilities in the Denver region, and makes the
information available through the bicycle facility
inventory data set available online in the DRCOG
Among the bicycle facilities in the region are on- and
off-street lanes and paths. Photo credit: DRCOG.
38
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Regional Data Catalog and through the Denver
Regional Bicycle web map.
The region’s communities have constructed, expanded and connected a
network of high-comfort facilities to help users feel confident and safe.
Photo credit: Jack Todd (photo contest entry).
Discover the transportation system 39
Walking
Supporting active transportation
in the Denver region
The characteristics and quality of pedestrian facilities
and commercial developments incorporate wide
Constructing and maintaining high-comfort
facilities
sidewalks or shared-use paths. Conversely, many
One of the most essential elements in attracting more
older neighborhoods have narrow or poorly maintained
people to walking and bicycling is a high-comfort
sidewalks, crossings or curb ramps. It’s difficult for large
network of active transportation facilities. People are
numbers of people or people who use wheelchairs,
more likely to bike or walk if they feel comfortable and
strollers or other mobility devices to use narrow
safe. Over the past few years, the region’s communities
or poorly maintained sidewalks. In many places,
have constructed, expanded and connected a network
pedestrian facilities are nonexistent, and people are
of high-comfort facilities to appeal to people from a
forced to walk along the road or on an unpaved social
wide range of ages and abilities.
vary throughout the region. Many new residential
path. In addition to sidewalks, pedestrian facilities
include infrastructure like Americans with Disabilities
Connecting the active transportation network
Act-compliant curb ramps, crosswalks with high-
Essential to attracting more people to walking and
visibility markings, pedestrian islands, intersection
bicycling is continuity and consistency in the active
improvements, pedestrian-scale lighting, benches,
transportation system. Local communities and
shade trees and wayfinding.
transportation providers can achieve this by connecting
the high-comfort network. In addition to filling in gaps
DRCOG has completed a regionwide planimetric data
and connecting facilities, identifying and connecting
project to map infrastructure features and assets,
to desirable destinations and to other modes of
including sidewalks. Within 1,308 square miles of the
transportation will encourage people to walk and bike.
region’s urban core are 17,700 miles of sidewalk. In the
future, it might be possible for DRCOG to capture the
entire region’s sidewalk system, including total mileage.
Regional planimetric data collected to date can be
accessed at the DRCOG Regional Data Catalog.
40
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Pedestrian infrastructure in the region varies across
communities and development. Photo credit: DRCOG.
Map 2.3: Regional active
transportation network
Discover the transportation system 41
A regional active transportation network is a key
Included in the regional Complete Streets Toolkit
element of the Active Transportation Plan. Regional
are street typologies. The typologies were created
active transportation corridors, pedestrian focus
based on existing and future streets in the Denver
areas, short-trip opportunity zones and local active
region, available data and stakeholder feedback. The
transportation networks work together to create the
typologies were applied across the area’s roadways and
conditions necessary to make bicycling and walking
highlighted opportunities for regional connections for
viable for everyday trips. The active transportation
nonvehicle travel modes. Putting modal priority at the
network identifies facilities and services that connect
forefront elevated active transportation for consideration
and enhance local active transportation networks but
within the street’s right-of-way. Under the concept of
are not otherwise included as part of regional corridors,
providing walkers and people who use wheelchairs
pedestrian focus areas or short-trip opportunity zones.
or assistive devices ample right of way to feel safe
and comfortable on every roadway, pedestrians were
Travel trends: short trips
included as a priority within every street type.
Increasing supportive infrastructure
and technology
People are more likely to walk and bike when there
trips less
than 1 mile
19%
trips less
than 3
miles
are infrastructure and amenities that support active
transportation. Examples of active transportation
supportive infrastructure include separated and
protected bicycle facilities; protected mid-block
43%
crossings; pedestrian shelters at transit stops;
pedestrian bulbouts; pedestrian-scale lighting; shade
trees and landscaping along sidewalks; bicycle racks
Designing for Complete Streets
and secure bicycle parking; and wayfinding.
Complete Streets enable safe access and travel for all
users. Local communities, planners, and transportation
Real-time transportation applications and trip-planning
providers can design and operate Complete Streets
capabilities support and enable walking and bicycling as
where pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, transit users
standalone modes or in conjunction with another travel
and travelers of all ages and abilities are able to
mode. For example, technology can enable people
move along the street network safely. Walking and
using transit to reserve a shared scooter or bike at the
bicycling options can be considered during the design
beginning or end of their trip. Supportive infrastructure,
and construction of new roadways and reconstruction
amenities, and technology that is convenient, easily
projects by local communities. DRCOG is working with
accessible and intuitive will encourage people to walk
stakeholders to adopt a regional Complete Streets
and bike more.
Toolkit to provide further guidance for local governments
in the Denver region to plan, design and implement
Complete Streets.
42
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Regional
Complete
Streets
Typology
Map
2.4: Regional
Complete Streets
typology
DRCOG makes no claims, representations or warranties,
express or implied, concerning the validity (express or
implied), the reliability or the accuracy of the data herein,
including the implied validity of any uses of such data.
DRCOG shall have no liability for the data or lack thereof,
or any decisions made or action not taken in reliance
upon any of the data.
Southwest
Weld
Boulder
Broomfield
Gilpin
Adams
Denver
Clear Creek
Western Clear Creek County
Arapahoe
Eastern
Adams/Arapahoe Counties
Jefferson
Douglas
Downtown commercial street
Neighborhood main street
Downtown mixed use street
Regional connector street
Industrial street
Rural road
Mixed use street
County Boundaries
Mountain road
DRCOG Boundary
Neighborhood connector street
Denver Downtown
±
5
0
Miles
SOURCE DATA: DRCOG,
Basemap: Esri Basemap, SR 6428
Creator: pjordan, 6/29/2022
\\Cogshare\Transportation\\Complete Streets Project\
Discover the transportation system 43
Transportation demand management
Strategies to promote and facilitate travel options to
• Incentives and policies: These strategies can
reduce the demand for motor vehicle travel, particularly
encourage certain travel choice options and offer
single-occupant vehicle travel during peak periods,
opportunities to save money and time.
are sometimes referred to as transportation demand
management. Such travel choices include carpooling,
• Supportive land use: One of the most influential
vanpooling, transit, bicycling and walking, as well
elements in encouraging people to walk, bicycle, or
as teleworking and varying travel times through
ride transit is development patterns and the proximity
alternative work schedules. Strategies can be grouped
of, and connections to, transportation options.
into four categories:
• Travel options: Providing and promoting mobility
options to reduce single-occupant vehicle usage.
• Work travel patterns: Especially prevalent
Transportation demand management is a set of
strategies to help people use the transportation
because of the COVID-19 pandemic, providers
system more efficiently while reducing traffic
and partners also promote and facilitate flexible
congestion, vehicle emissions and fuel consumption.
employee work schedules.
How people get to work in the Denver region
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
44
2005
2019
drive alone
carpool
walk
other (for example, motorcycle, taxi)
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
public transportation
bicycle (summer higher)
work at home
Bike to Work Day
DRCOG’s Way to Go team coordinates and hosts
the Denver region’s Bike to Work Day, which is the
second-largest of its kind in the U.S. More than
30,000 people participated in the Denver region’s
2019 Bike to Work Day. Evaluation of Bike to Work
Day in the Denver region has shown the annual event
draws participants from across a wide spectrum of
bicycling behavior. Bike to Work Day targets firsttime bike commuters, creating a fun and supportive
environment to encourage them to continue biking for
all purposes in the future.
Discover the transportation system 45
Go-Tober
Way to Go
Go-Tober is an annual, employer-based commuting
DRCOG’s Way to Go program includes a formal partnership
challenge hosted by Way to Go. Participating
with seven transportation management associations in the
employers are grouped according to size and transit
region. The partnership collaborates on a comprehensive
access and compete by encouraging their employees
and coordinated effort to address traffic congestion
to track their non-single-occupant vehicle trips
and improve air quality in the region by promoting and
taken during October. Companies compete to win
implementing a suite of commute choice services, including:
prizes, and individual participants are eligible to earn
rewards. The challenge encourages employees to try
various methods of getting to and from work such as
carpooling, vanpooling, taking transit, biking, walking
or telecommuting.
• Employer and community outreach.
• Regional marketing campaigns as well as local
promotion of commute options in each corridor or
respective area.
Providers and partners
• Facilitating commute options and connections
through the MyWayToGo trip-planning platform.
Regional agencies
CDOT’s Mobility Services team in the Office of
• Offering Guaranteed Ride Home services.
Innovative Mobility works on related efforts. CDOT
developed a statewide plan in 2019 which outlines core
Commute options outreach partners
strategies, support strategies, emerging technologies,
Seven Way to Go outreach partners help local residents,
options for specific markets, costs and participation.
employers and commuters learn about options for
getting to and from work within specific corridors,
RTD, by way of providing transit throughout the Denver
region, provides and promotes commute options
for the region’s residents. In its First and Last Mile
Strategic Plan, RTD highlighted the benefits of linking
transit with tools like parking cash-out, transit passes
and dynamic carpooling.
The Regional Air Quality Council partners with DRCOG
and other agencies in the region to support commute
choice. Its projects and programs, such as Simple
Steps Better Air, support commute choice and air
quality improvement.
communities or areas of the region. They include:
• Boulder Transportation Connections
• Commuting Solutions
• Denver South
• Downtown Denver Partnership
• Northeast Transportation Connections
• Smart Commute Metro North
• Transportation Solutions
46
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Map 2.5: Way to Go transportation management
associations in the Denver region
Discover the transportation system 47
DRCOG’s Way to Go staff performs outreach functions
in areas not served by a transportation management
association.
Other organizations
Various nonprofit organizations also provide products or
services related to commute options, including, but not
limited to:
• Bicycle Colorado (including the Denver Streets
Partnership)
• Community Cycles
• Boulder B-Cycle
• Colorado CarShare
Shared micromobility fleets, including e-scooters and e-bikes, are seen here deployed in Denver. Photo credit: DRCOG
48
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Emerging mobility
Emerging mobility technology and services are
curbside management, mobility hubs and a digital
shifting the transportation needs, preferences
environment can both support shared mobility and
and opportunities for the region’s residents and
integrate emerging technology into the transportation
communities. Over the past decade, innovation in
landscape.
transportation technology has included the introduction
of ride-hailing, shared micromobility, automated
shuttles and mobility on demand.
Advanced Mobility Partnership
DRCOG joined CDOT, RTD and the Denver Metro
Mobility-related technology and services broadly affect
Chamber of Commerce to develop the Mobility
the entire transportation system, so while elements of
Choice Blueprint, which considered how new
transportation technology are described elsewhere in
transportation technologies transform the way people
this plan, this section specifically addresses emerging
in the Denver region move. The Mobility Choice
mobility technology and services. The Mobility Choice
Blueprint identified 34 tactical actions in several focus
Blueprint contains comprehensive information about
areas for the region to consider as partner agencies
transportation technology and emerging mobility.
plan for emerging mobility and transportation
technology in the region.
Benefits of emerging mobility can include things like
more travel choices, first- and last-mile connections to
In late 2019, DRCOG, CDOT, RTD and the Denver
transit, air quality improvements and increased access
Metro Chamber of Commerce established the
to transportation. While there are benefits to emerging
Advanced Mobility Partnership. The partnership
mobility, there are also potential challenges, such as
guides implementation of the Mobility Choice
competing curbside uses, zero-occupant vehicles and
Blueprint and serves as a forum for collaboration
accessibility. Public and private agencies must work
and coordination on transportation technology
together to proactively plan for and consider emerging
pilots, projects and programs in the region.
mobility in the Denver region.
Shared mobility
Transit, carpool and vanpool are traditional
types of shared mobility and are covered
earlier in this chapter. Shared mobility in
the emerging mobility context refers to the technologyenabled sharing of vehicles and services and may
include various business models. Shared mobility has
opened the doors for many communities to consider
how emerging trends such as mobility as a service,
Discover the transportation system 49
In December 2019, executive leadership from CDOT, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, RTD
and DRCOG formed the Advanced Mobility Partnership. Photo credit: DRCOG.
Shared micromobility
use of a car when they need one. Car-sharing programs
Shared micromobility refers to low-speed,
have evolved with technology to allow app-based
lightweight, small, human- and electric-
trip reservation and payment. Car-sharing programs
powered transportation solutions like bikes
are operated in the Denver region by companies like
and scooters. Devices are available for short-term rental
Colorado CarShare and Zipcar, along with peer-to-peer
in designated service areas. Use of these services
car-sharing options.
has exploded in popularity in the Denver region, and
DRCOG continues to work with local agencies to better
Microtransit
plan for and accommodate shared micromobility as part
Microtransit, which uses smaller transit
of the transportation system..
vehicles than buses, can provide fixedroute or on-demand service. Microtransit is
Ride-hailing
emerging in the Denver region. Microtransit technology
Ride-hailing allows travelers to procure
matches riders who want to go in the same direction,
a ride from a driver pool through a
so its route is dynamic and is based on rider needs.
smartphone application. Companies like
Microtransit services extend the reach of RTD’s fixed-
Uber and Lyft have operated throughout the Denver
route transit service and represent a convenient option
region since 2013.
for riders. An example of microtransit in the DRCOG
region is the Lone Tree Link. The Lone Tree Link is
Car-sharing
a free shuttle service that provides on-demand rides
Car-sharing is a service through which
anywhere within Lone Tree city limits. It is funded
people share passenger vehicles. Car-
through a public-private partnership.
sharing programs enable car-free and
car-light lifestyles, so individuals can reserve short-term
50
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Aviation
Air transportation’s role in the regional and statewide
According to the CDOT Division of Aeronautics,
economy makes it an important element of the regional
2020 Aviation Economic Impact Study,
transportation system.
the region’s airports support nearly 237,000 jobs
with a payroll of more than $18.2 billion,
The region’s residents, visitors, business professionals,
creating over $32.5 billion of business revenues
emergency service providers, flight training operations
and economic output.
and air cargo shippers depend on airports for their
livelihoods, quality of life and access to the national and
global transportation system.
The Denver region’s airport system comprises one air carrier airport, Denver International
Airport; four reliever airports; two general aviation airports; and one military facility.
Discover the transportation system 51
Map 2.6: Airports in the Denver region
52
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Denver International Airport
In 2019, Denver International Airport served 69
million passengers and moved 672 million pounds
The Denver International Airport represents the
of cargo via 640,000 aircraft movements (landings
largest aviation economic generator in Colorado and
and take-offs).
is the state’s only large hub airport. DEN provides
connections to national and international destinations
and serves as an origin/destination and transfer point
Union Station to Denver International Airport helps
in the state for air passenger traffic. According to
move those same workers and passengers. The line
Airport Council International statistics for 2019, Denver
also has increased transit ridership to and from the
International Airport ranked 16th worldwide and fifth in
airport since it started service in 2016.
North America for annual passengers. It also ranked
fifth worldwide and in North America for its volume of
Denver International Airport’s latest aviation forecast
annual aircraft operations.
anticipates that the airport will handle around 120 million
passengers and more than 950,000 aircraft movements
About 36,500 people worked at Denver International
in 2040. In anticipation of such growth, the airport’s
Airport in 2019 and on an average day, around 190,000
staff is planning major infrastructure improvements
passengers used the airport. In 2019, just over 64% of
and to implement its real estate strategic development
boardings were passenger trips beginning or ending
plan to ensure Denver International Airport’s ability to
at Denver International Airport, meaning that on an
serve the region and the state for decades to come. The
average day around 122,000 passengers travel to or
improvements will support the airport’s role as the major
from Denver International Airport to begin or end their
regional and state economic engine and job generator
airline trip. The remainder were passengers making
for passengers, employees, visitors, cargo and related
connections at the airport. RTD’s A Line from Denver
businesses.
RTD daily ridership to and from Denver International Airport (2011-2019)
20,000
17,400
bus
A Line
boardings
14,000
8,000
0
6,850
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Data represents average weekday boardings/alightings for the August Runboard (August to December)
Discover the transportation system 53
Denver International Airport contributed $33.5 billion to the regional and state economy in 2019. Photo credit: Adobe Stock
Buckley Air Force Base
The only military airport within the region is Buckley
Personnel Center. The base in 2016 included 3,100
Air Force Base. The base hosts the 460th Space
active-duty military members from every service,
Wing, which directly supports combatant commands
4,000 National Guard personnel and reservists, four
around the world. It also hosts the 140th Wing of the
commonwealth international partners, 2,400 civilians,
Colorado Air National Guard, the Navy Operational
2,500 contractors, 36,000 retirees and approximately
Support Center, the Aerospace Data Facility-Colorado,
40,000 veterans and dependents.
the Army Aviation Support Facility and the Air Reserve
54
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
In February 2019, DRCOG participated with Buckley
Air Force Base leaders, partners, staff and community
stakeholders to update the Buckley Air Force Base
Safety
and
efficiency
Area Development Plan. The master plan outlines
growth and operations that support Buckley Air
Force Base’s vision “to create a sustainable, transitoriented community through mixed-use districts with
appropriate landscaping connected by a network of
pedestrian-friendly streets.” DRCOG provided regional
transportation expertise, including Metro Vision planning
consistency, and coordination of regional commute
option efforts. DRCOG maintains relationships with
Buckley Air Force Base partners.
System
viability
Colorado Aviation
System Plan
Goals
Access
and
mobility
Economic
sustainability
Colorado Aviation System Plan
CDOT’s 2020 Colorado Aviation System Plan focuses
on four goals for Colorado’s airport system. For each
Safety and efficiency advances Colorado’s airport
goal, the 2020 Colorado Aviation System Plan identifies
system by promoting and preserving safe and efficient
several performance measures and facility and service
facilities, on and off airports.
objectives to provide a baseline for the infrastructure,
facilities and service capabilities required to support the
Access and mobility provides Colorado’s airports with
type and volume of aviation activity at each airport. The
infrastructure and sufficient capacity enabling the public
Colorado Aviation System Plan identifies gaps between
adequate access and mobility utilizing the aviation system.
the airport’s existing condition and the needs to satisfy
performance measures, facility and service objectives,
Economic sustainability supports sustainable
and future facility needs anticipated by aviation demand
economic growth and development to continue
forecasts. Individual airport’s report cards detailing each
Colorado’s status as a leader in technology, testing, and
airport’s future needs are available through the Colorado
the areospace industry.
Aviation System Plan. Denver International, Centennial
and Rocky Mountain Metropolitan airports are investing
System viability preserves airport system assets to
in expansion of airfield facilities to address demand.
promote fiscal responsibility and sustainable, cost-effective
investments to ensure the system’s long-term viability.
Discover the transportation system 55
Operating the transportation system
The Denver region’s transportation system is complex and requires
countless technologies and people working daily to maintain mobility,
which the public may take for granted. Hundreds of individual and
overlapping entities work within the transportation system, such as
municipalities, counties, fire districts, public safety departments,
CDOT, RTD, organizations that promote travel options, public utilities,
railroads and private service or information providers.
Five key regional themes relate to the
operation of the transportation system:
Monitor activities:
“What is going on out there?”
People work in transportation management
centers, troubleshoot traveler apps and visually
monitor the region’s transportation system. The
region’s travelers can help monitor the transportation
systems and report concerns. Devices in vehicles, along
the roadside and in transportation management centers
help people monitor and detect safety and operational
incidents and needs.
Operate things:
“Keep the facilities and services
operating reliably.”
People work in vehicle dispatching offices,
write software code, operate traffic signals
and drive buses, ride-hailing vehicles,
snowplows, emergency vehicles and tow
trucks. Enforcement officers ensure compliance
with laws related to disruption of mobility ranging
from speeding enforcement to ticketing cars or
trucks parked in bike lanes. Technological devices work
independently or in conjunction with people to dispatch vehicles,
operate apps, control traffic devices, control trains end even enforce laws.
56
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Respond, share and inform:
“Something happened: What should be done?”
A coordinated response to planned events, incidents and
disruptions is critical to maintaining a safe and reliable
transportation system. Applicable resources like tow
trucks, emergency services, snow plows, repair crews must
be dispatched, and agencies, media and the public need
information. People on the move and at home or work receive
information about disruptive incidents. Coordination among
the agencies that update information devices, variable message
signs, travel information apps, websites and social media ensures that
people get the messages they need, when they need them, in order to make
well-informed decisions.
Evaluate past conditions
and events:
“What could have been
done better?”
Staff associated with planning, operations, and incident
response use archived or supplemental data to evaluate past
conditions or incidents. Recommendations can be made for
improvements to pre-event actions like revised traffic signal
timing plans and post-event responses like communication and
command protocols.
Improve regional
coordination efforts:
“What resources and system
components are needed?”
Future investments can improve
interjurisdictional situational awareness,
communication systems, coordination efforts,
training, data management, multimodal trip
integration, and traveler information accuracy.
Discover the transportation system 57
Quick responses to crashes and accidents saves lives and keeps the region’s roadways operating efficiently. Photo credit: CDOT.
Data management is integral to each of the operational
fashion in the public sphere, the region will maximize
themes. Data is obtained continuously from local, state,
their benefits. Full mobility benefits will not be achieved
regional and private sources, then used and shared in
if done on an individual, haphazard basis. Road users
real-time or stored for longer-term analyses. It is critical
are already reaping the benefits of connected vehicle
that such data is managed in a coordinated effort across
safety technology in cars and trucks. As the share of
the region, not just within localized entities.
vehicles traveling on the region’s roadways with such
capabilities increases, greater operational benefits
While some operational activities may not change much
will be achieved through communication connections
by 2050, others will change significantly, primarily due
between a vehicle and the roadway, other vehicles,
to emerging technological advances, which system
transportation management centers, transit stations and
operators refer to as intelligent transportation systems.
individuals walking or bicycling with smartphones.
By implementing intelligent transportation systems
elements and devices in well-planned and coordinated
58
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
CDOT is responsible for plowing state highways and interstates and keeping
them open and operating during inclement weather. Photo credit: CDOT.
Discover the transportation system 59
Vehicle and infrastructure technology
Electric vehicles
Electric vehicles derive all or part of their power from
Vehicle technology
electricity supplied by the electric grid. Electric vehicle
types include all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Advances in vehicle technology have sparked public
Recent technological advances in electric vehicle and
interest in the evolution of the transportation system.
battery technology have paved the way for original
With the right planning, connected, automated, shared
equipment manufacturers to deliver a greater variety
and electric vehicle technologies have the potential
of electric vehicle types. Publicly accessible electric
to support positive outcomes for the region’s vision
vehicle charging stations are now a critical part of
of a future transportation system. Without adequate
transportation infrastructure. Colorado has more than
planning, a haphazard implementation of connected,
31,000 electric vehicles on the road today, more than
automated, shared and electric vehicle technologies
two-thirds of which are in the Denver region. Electric
may misalign with the region’s vision or lead to negative
vehicles are associated with positive health, economic
outcomes. The potential to affect a preferred outcome
and environmental benefits for all people in the Denver
suggests that member governments and partner
region. Vehicle electrification and charging infrastructure
agencies consider benefits and challenges during
are more extensively discussed in the Mobility Choice
project development and implementation. As the Denver
Blueprint and Colorado Electric Vehicle Plan.
region prepares for changes in vehicle technology,
regional partner agencies are working to implement
DRCOG has partnered with the State of Colorado
tactical actions related to these technologies as outlined
in efforts to increase the amount of geographically
in the Mobility Choice Blueprint.
dispersed electric vehicle charging points. Increasing
“Transportation is currently
the second largest source of
greenhouse gas emissions in
the state — and as Colorado’s
electricity sector decarbonizes,
transportation will become the
greatest contributor of harmful,
climate-altering pollution.”
the amount of charging points will improve air quality,
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage
continued deployment of electric vehicles in the
Denver region.
— Colorado Energy Office
The increased availability of electric vehicle charging stations in the
region will help improve air quality and reduce emissions.
Photo credit: CDOT.
60
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Today, hundreds of miles of roadways are equipped with technology so connected vehicles can communicate with other vehicles.
Photo credit: HDR.
Vehicle connectivity and automation
Connected vehicles are equipped to communicate
vehicle use is improved safety. In the Denver region,
with and receive alerts from other vehicles, roadway
several automated vehicle pilots including the 61AV
infrastructure, transportation management centers
Demonstration Project and the City of Westminster’s
and personal electronic devices like smartphones.
EasyMile pilot have tested automated vehicle shuttles in
The benefits of connected vehicles include reducing
various conditions.
crashes, fatalities and serious injuries, improving
travel reliability and increasing the energy efficiency of
traveling vehicles.
Automated vehicle types include those with automated
driver-assistance features, like automatic emergency
braking or lane departure assistance, as well
as driverless vehicles, sometimes referred to as
autonomous vehicles. Depending on their level of
automation, such vehicles have various benefits. A
highly anticipated benefit of widespread automated
Throughout the region, automated vehicle shuttle pilots have
provided partners an opportunity to learn about automated vehicles
in various situations. Photo courtesy City of Westminster.
Discover the transportation system 61
Infrastructure technology
To realize the benefits of connectivity and automation,
CDOT began preparing its physical and digital
both physical and digital infrastructure are required.
infrastructure for connected vehicles and automated
Roadside equipment is required to communicate with
vehicles in 2016 with deployment of roadside units
vehicles and other traveler devices. Such infrastructure
along I-70 from the Denver region in Golden west
must be connected by a robust fiber and wireless
toward Vail. Today, hundreds of miles of highways
communications system to traffic management centers
are equipped with roadside equipment. Additionally,
throughout the region. Additionally, the physical
the City and County of Denver has installed roadside
infrastructure must be connected to and supported
equipment on arterial roadways, connecting with the
by a digital infrastructure that collects, consolidates,
existing traffic signal infrastructure.
analyzes and disseminates data for use by operators,
travelers and businesses.
Infrastructure can communicate with and send alerts to connected vehicles. Photo credit: CDOT
62
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Safety
Traffic-related deaths and serious injuries are a critical
serious injury. The human toll of these crashes is
and preventable public health epidemic and social
significant; 1,288 people died and 8,859 people were
equity issue in the metropolitan Denver area. DRCOG,
seriously injured.
its member governments and partner agencies are
responsible for reducing crashes by providing safer
While the overall percentage of reported crashes
transportation systems.
involving people walking, biking or riding a motorcycle is
small, the percentage of fatal crashes involving walking,
In 2019, 270 people were killed and 1,764 people were
biking or riding a motorcycle is disproportionately high
seriously injured on the Denver region’s urban streets
compared to mode share. Of fatal crashes, 21% involve
and highways. There were nearly 10,120 crashes
a person riding a motorcycle, 19% involve a pedestrian
between 2015 and 2019 that resulted in a fatality or
and 4% involve a cyclist.
Percent of all reported crashes by
travel mode (2013-2017)
Percent of all fatal crashes
by travel mode (2013-2017)
biking:
1%
biking:
4%
motorcycle:
2%
motorcycle:
21%
car: 95%
walking:
2%
car: 56%
walking:
19%
Discover the transportation system 63
Number of fatalities by travel mode (2000-2019)
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
2000
2005
people walking
2010
people biking
2015
people riding a motorcycle
2019
people in cars
Taking Action on Regional Vision Zero
On June 16, 2020, DRCOG’s Board of Directors
adopted Taking Action on Regional Vision Zero
Appendix K, a safety action plan that established a
target of zero fatalities and serious injuries on the
Denver region’s transportation system. Taking Action on
Regional Vision Zero includes detailed descriptions of
six safety objectives for the Denver region:
• Improve collaboration between allied agencies.
• Increase awareness and adoption of Vision Zero.
64
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
• Design and retrofit roadways to prioritize safety.
• Improve data collection and reporting.
• Increase funding and resources.
• Increase legislation support that results in safety
improvements.
Vision Zero is a transportation safety philosophy
• Critical corridors: Critical corridors identify
based on the principle that death is not an acceptable
segments along the Regional High Injury Network
mobility outcome.
that have the highest density of crashes involving
death or serious injury. DRCOG analyzed each of
Vision Zero has become a useful framework to guide
the region’s 10 counties separately to ensure the
decisions to eliminate traffic deaths and serious
critical corridors were geographically dispersed.
injuries in the transportation system. Vision Zero
recognizes that humans make mistakes and therefore
• Crash profiles and crash behaviors: Crash profiles
the transportation system should be designed to
describe the circumstances associated with a
minimize the consequences of human error.
crash. Behavior profiles describe the human
behavior that contributed to a crash.
The Vision Zero approach is fundamentally different
from the traditional traffic safety approach in American
communities in six key ways:
• Safety countermeasures: Countermeasures
are strategies documented to reduce crashes
or otherwise recognized as a best practice for
• Reframes traffic deaths as preventable.
addressing certain crash types.
• Integrates human error into the approach.
• Focuses on preventing fatal and serious crashes
rather than eliminating all crashes.
• Aims to establish safe systems prioritizing human
life when designing a road network.
• Applies data-driven decision making.
• Establishes road safety as a social equity issue.
Regional Vision Zero Toolkit
Taking Action on Regional Vision Zero includes a toolkit
resource for local governments to use to prioritize
safety and encourage Vision Zero adoption and local
safety plan development across the Denver region.
Ideally, local governments will use the toolkit to work
strategically to eliminate serious injury and fatal
crashes. The toolkit includes:
• Regional High Injury Network: Using an interactive
Click here to view the entire report.
map with safety layers, the Regional High-Injury
Network identifies the roadways in the Denver
region with the highest numbers of crashes that
result in death or serious injury.
Discover the transportation system 65
Regional High-Injury Network
1.5% of all roads are part of a critical corridor
9% of all roads are part of the Regional High-Injury Network
Despite only 1.5% of the region’s roads being part of a Critical Corridor and 9% of the region’s
roads being a part of the Regional High-Injury Network, the majority of the Denver Region’s
safety problems are concentrated on such roadways.
Fatal and serious injury crashes:
32%
75%
are a part of a critical corridor
All fatal crashes:
25%
71%
are a part of a critical corridor
are a part of the Regional
High-Injury Network
are a part of the Regional
High-Injury Network
Crashes resulting in death or serious injury involving people walking:
82%
42% are a part of a critical corridor
Crashes resulting in death or serious injury involving people biking:
27%
67%
are a part of a critical corridor
are a part of the Regional
High-Injury Network
Crashes resulting in death or serious injury involving people under 18 or over 65:
28%
66
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
76%
are a part of a critical corridor
are a part of the Regional
High-Injury Network
are a part of the Regional
High-Injury Network
Map 2.7: Regional High-Injury Network and critical corridors
Discover the transportation system 67
Security and resilience
The security and resilience of the transportation system
As required by the U.S. Department of Homeland
refers to the system’s ability to provide safe and reliable
Security, the State of Colorado established all-
service in the event of an emergency, threat or shock.
hazard emergency management regions across the
Whether natural or human-caused, such events can
state to improve interjurisdictional communication
affect both physical and digital infrastructure and
and coordination for emergency preparedness and
communications systems and devices. Users of all
response. Dozens of federal, state, regional, local
types of facilities including airplanes, transit vehicles,
and private entities representing multiple disciplines
roadways, tunnels, sidewalks, and shared-use paths
participate in security planning. The North Central
expect them to be safe and reliable. Transportation
All-Hazards Emergency Management Region, which
system users also expect communication, fuel and
largely encompasses the Denver region, has primary
power-generation systems to be secure. Emergency
responsibility for coordinating security planning, training
management planners consider it critical to plan
and exercises. DRCOG participates on applicable
for emergencies, threats and shocks to ensure
committees to help provide information and facilitate
the transportation system’s resilience. Emergency
coordination among emergency management planning
management planners recognize the transportation
and related transportation planning efforts.
system as a critical resource to support emergency
response and recovery. The transportation community
Emergency management is a continuous process with
has an equally significant role in assisting in all aspects
varying stakeholder roles and responsibilities before,
of security mitigation, preparation, response and
during and after emergency events, as depicted in the
recovery.
figure below.
Emergency management activity flow
Source: Community Emergency Response Guide of Fairfax County Virginia
Be
fo
re
After
Mitigate
Mitigate. Prevent future emergencies or
minimize their effects.
Prepare. Take actions ahead of time to be
ready for an emergency.
Recover
Prepare
Respond. Protect life and property in an
emergency.
Respond
Dur ing
68
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Recover. Rebuild from an emergency.
In 2015, 211.8 million tons of goods, valued at $218.7 billion, flowed into, out of and within the metro area. Photo courtesy of David E. Hattan.
Freight
With over 3.2 million residents, 1.7 million workers,
view of significant freight issues, challenges and
119,000 businesses and 18 million visitors, the Denver
opportunities that communities within the region
region relies on the multimodal freight system to move
can address. The plan is a precursor to more
millions of individual products. Many of the state’s
comprehensive regional freight planning and is intended
significant rail terminals, intermodal yards, highways,
to provide a framework for the region to engage on
warehouses, distribution centers and manufacturing
freight issues through coordination, partnership,
centers are located in the region, making the DRCOG
integration and investment.
region the trade hub for Colorado.
Delivery logistics
For example, newly manufactured vehicles are shipped
into Denver’s rail intermodal facilities for sale across the
The growth of online commerce enables consumers to
region and the Mountain West. Oil and petroleum products
access an ever-expanding variety of goods from around
are moved by pipeline, truck and train within the region
the globe. Key issues expressed by stakeholders include:
and to the Western Slope. Producers of milk, cheese,
chocolate, pet food, beef and a range of natural and locally
• Addressing user conflicts between delivery trucks
made food products are distributed across the region and
and cyclists or pedestrians in busy urban and
shipped out to the rest of the country and world.
suburban areas.
Key considerations related to the movement of freight
and goods are delivery logistics, railroad crossing
safety, truck parking and freight trends.
Multimodal freight plan
In the summer of 2020, DRCOG adopted the Regional
• Resolving the lack of delivery zones and parking
availability in urban centers.
• Balancing transit needs and delivery parking and
curb management policies.
• The need for alternative delivery options such
Multimodal Freight Plan (Appendix M). The plan was
as off-hours, lockers or store pickup to manage
coordinated by DRCOG and guided by an advisory
residential delivery demands.
committee of local government staff and industry
stakeholders. The regional plan provides a strategic
Discover the transportation system 69
Delivering goods in urban areas often results in conflicts between delivery
trucks and cyclists and pedestrians. Photo credit: DRCOG.
70
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Railroad crossing safety
Ten people died at railroad crossings between 2015
There are approximately 312 at-grade crossings along
and 2019. Rail crossing incidents generally occur at
public roadways in the Denver region. Key indicators on
public at-grade crossings when vehicles attempt to
existing conditions and safety infrastructure of at-grade
circumvent safety devices, when vehicles stall on tracks
public rail crossings across the region are shown in the
or when pedestrians or vehicle drivers do not respond
following table.
to warning signals.
Inventory of Denver region public at-grade freight railroad-highway crossing characteristics
Crossing characteristics
Percent of crossings
250
on Federal-Aid Highway Program system
80%
174
one or more trains per day
56%
188
commercial or industrial land use
60%
54
residential or institutional land use
17%
252
crossbuck sign present
81%
213
advance warning signals present
68%
186
crossing illuminated
60%
134
stop signs present
43%
103
bells present
33%
61
pavement marking present
20%
312
total crossings
100%
Discover the transportation system 71
Of public at-grade railroad-highway crossings, 68% of have advance warning signals. Photo credit: CDOT.
Truck parking
Truck parking and a lack of real-time information about
in the Denver region, most were nearing peak capacity.
available parking is a growing national concern for truck
Expanding rest areas and public-private partnerships
drivers, freight planners, and freight operators, and is an
are two strategies recommended in the Multimodal
acute issue in Colorado. Growing congestion in urban
Freight Plan to increase parking supply.
areas and stricter monitoring of service-hour laws make
it hard to supply enough safe truck parking. As a result,
Freight trends
more truck drivers are parking in problematic places.
The lack of safe, lighted parking spaces or the absence
As the Denver region’s population grows, demand
of amenities such as restrooms can deter truckers from
for moving packages and products will grow, too,
using available spaces. Insufficient parking can also
necessitating that more products be moved by rail,
create inefficiencies and delays in supply chains. Truck
truck, plane and pipeline. Due to population and
drivers may stop well before their allotted driving time
economic growth, as well as continued growth in
runs out to ensure access to a parking spot, resulting
e-commerce, goods movement is forecast to increase
in lost road time and shipment delays. An analysis
by 80% between 2015 and 2045. By 2045, over 323
of truck parking use by the Colorado Department of
million tons, valued at $400 billion, will be imported to
Transportation found that of available parking facilities
and exported from the Denver region.
72
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Table 2.1: Value of goods by primary mode (2015-2045)
Truck
Air
Pipeline
Rail
2015
2045
$189,741,226,750
$341,222,927,843
$26,544,921,144
$54,434,069,036
$1,789,910,875
$2,872,651,428
$391,925,539
$852,084,833
Table 2.2: Tonnage of goods by primary mode (2015-2045)
Truck
Air
Pipeline
Rail
2015
2045
204,678,619
311,465,673
267,171
484,099
6,346,102
10,186,592
503,047
1,037,757
Future congestion on regional roadways will affect
vehicles and automated vehicles that manage demand
the ability of businesses to deliver to the region’s
during peak delivery times can help address congestion
households, offices and businesses. Shifts from road to
and meet the demand for moving the 323 million tons of
rail or alternative delivery options like unmanned aerial
goods expected in 2045.
Discover the transportation system 73
Local governments are responsible for a wide variety of maintenance
activities such as traffic signal maintenance, striping, repaving,
pothole patching, street sweeping, snow removal and light repairs.
Photo courtesy of Douglas County.
74
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Nearly half of CDOT’s annual budget goes to maintaining the existing system. Photo credit: CDOT
Asset management and system preservation
In recognition of the region’s considerable investment
and signage also deteriorate over time. As fully
in the multimodal transportation system, managing
autonomous vehicles come to market and the number
and preserving facilities and vehicles is increasingly
of older drivers increase, maintenance components
important. The transportation system, including
become more important. The condition of transit buses
roadways, transit systems, sidewalks, communication
declines quickly because of the hundreds of thousands
infrastructure and other components, naturally
of miles they travel in stop-and-go conditions. Sidewalks
deteriorates due to use, time and climate. Roadway and
and shared-use paths deteriorate through seasonal
bridge deterioration is strongly related to use, especially
cycles, tree root growth and other factors.
by heavy trucks. Roadway striping, pavement markings,
Discover the transportation system 75
The region’s transportation partners and stakeholders
Roadway system and bridge preservation
have embraced a performance-based asset
management philosophy. The agencies regularly collect
Maintenance of the region’s roadways and bridges
asset condition information and analyze it to optimize
is the responsibility of numerous agencies including
and prioritize maintenance and replacement. CDOT, for
CDOT, public highway authorities and local government
example, collects annual data on pavement and bridge
agencies. CDOT collects data on pavement and bridge
condition, while RTD is responsible for the “state of
condition in the Denver region. As of 2019, 8% of the
good repair” of its vehicles and preservation activities
bridge deck area in the region was in poor condition.
for its system and facilities. Local governments maintain
Additionally, 5% of the national highway system mileage
their streets and accompanying sidewalks as well as off-
and 1% of the interstate system mileage in the region is
street shared-use paths.
in poor condition.
Of the 3,116 bridges in the Denver region, 45 are considered to be in poor condition. Maintenance and reconstruction activities improve the
quality of bridges throughout the region, including along RidgeGate Parkway in Lone Tree. Photo courtesy of the City of Lone Tree.
76
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
As a relatively young agency, RTD has not experienced the decaying infrastructure that many older and larger transit systems have.
Photo credit: RTD.
Transit system preservation
Maintenance of transit stations, stops and vehicles is
signal systems or pavement may damage vehicles
critical to passenger comfort and transit service safety
or slow down operations. Because park-and-ride lots
and reliability. Stations or vehicles in poor condition
accommodate private vehicles, deteriorating conditions
affect transit patrons’ comfort and ability to access
affect whether drivers choose to use them, and
service. Uneven or missing pavement at on-street
therefore affect transit ridership.
boarding locations not only causes them to fall into
disrepair, but also affects safety and accessibility.
RTD’s asset management strategy is not driven by a
Vehicle breakdowns may cause hardships to transit
growing set of decaying assets, but by the expansion of
patrons, affecting future ridership.
the asset base in recent years. The funding for the most
recent expansion projects did not make provision for
Maintenance of park-and-ride lots, rail lines, bus-only
the long-term maintenance and capital renewal of the
travelways and ramps is critical to their long-term
new assets. A growing backlog increases risk to safety,
serviceability. Poorly maintained tracks, electrical and
service, and future sustainability.
Discover the transportation system 77
Pedestrian and bicycle facility preservation
Communities in the Denver region have invested
bicyclists tend to travel often deteriorate more quickly
heavily in sidewalks, on-street bicycle treatments
than primary travel lanes, creating dangerous situations
and an extensive off-street, shared-use path system.
that force bicyclists to quickly maneuver around physical
They invest in facility maintenance for the comfort,
and environmental hazards. Many pedestrian and
safety, retention and growth of users. Tree roots, utility
bicycle facilities are maintained by adjacent property
construction and normal weathering can greatly affect
owners. Without city enforcement this can result in
the condition and life of sidewalks and bike facilities.
widespread deterioration and inconsistent accessibility
Roadway curb and gutter areas adjacent to where
across the network.
When streets and roadways are widened and reconstructed, sidewalks and curb ramps must be brought into compliance with Americans with
Disabilities Act standards. Photo credit: Commerce City
78
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
3
The Denver region is facing the prospect of continued growth over the coming decades. Strategic investments in the transportation
system will make it safer, manage congestion, provide travel options and ensure the region remains a great place to call home.
Chapter 3: Explore funding and projects
Explore funding and projects
Introduction
This chapter describes and illustrates the major
reviews how Denver Regional Council of Governments
project, program and financial elements of the fiscally
staff estimated anticipated revenues, coordinated with
constrained 2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation
agencies throughout the region to select individual
Plan and the transportation vision it represents. It
projects for inclusion in the fiscally constrained project
specifically focuses on the portion of the multimodal
list and how the 2050 RTP may be amended in the
transportation vision that can be implemented by 2050
future due to changing circumstances.
based on reasonably anticipated revenues. The chapter
The 2050 RTP proposes investments in a diverse array of travel options to keep the region’s residents connected and on the move.
80
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Financial plan
Multimodal capital projects are listed
individually in the plan. They include roadway
The financial plan identifies sources and amounts of
and transit capacity projects, as well as priority
federal, state, local and private revenues estimated to
Regional Vision Zero, active transportation and
be available from 2021 through 2050 and then outlines
freight projects.
how the prioritized projects can be implemented with
anticipated resources. The financial plan ensures
Programmatic investments are shown as a
that project costs do not exceed projected revenues.
lump sum. Individual projects are not identified
Because there are more potential project costs than
in these programs. Programmatic investments
available revenues, only those projects that can
include continuing efforts to manage, operate and
be implemented within the projected revenues are
preserve the system.
considered part of the fiscally constrained 2050 RTP.
The major steps for developing the financial plan
included:
The complete assumptions and methodologies that
DRCOG used to develop the financial plan, including
1) Estimating the amount of revenue available out to
2050 for all aspects of the transportation system
in coordination with regional, state and federal
partners.
2) Determining the amount of funding available for
the changes made for the 2022 update, are included in
Appendix H.
Revenue projections
DRCOG, in coordination with the Colorado Department
multimodal capital projects versus funding allocated
of Transportation, Regional Transportation District,
to programmatic expenses.
local governments, special districts and authorities
and various special funding agencies, estimated
3) Evaluating and prioritizing multimodal capital
total revenues available for transportation purposes.
projects to determine the best use of limited regional
Estimated revenues were inflated to year of expenditure
funding.
to depict the value of the available funds at the time they
will be available.
Approximately $132.7 billion is expected to be
available from 2021 through 2050 to manage,
operate, preserve, maintain and expand the
Denver region’s multimodal transportation system.
While this represents a significant amount of
revenue, the majority is dedicated to preserving,
maintaining and operating the existing system.
Explore funding and projects 81
Revenues available for use (billions)
$3.8
$18.2
DRCOG administered funds
CDOT administered funds
$65.5
$34.4
RTD administered funds
Other regional system funds
Non-regional system funds
$10.8
The information on the following pages reflects the
programmatic investments will be determined through
conditions at the time of plan adoption. To see the
the Transportation Improvement Program process.
latest financial plan assumptions and methodologies
used in the 2022 update, please review Appendix H.
CDOT
CDOT, in coordination with DRCOG, developed a
Program Distribution that forecast the amount of
funding available for use on the transportation system.
DRCOG
Within the Denver region, CDOT is anticipated to
DRCOG relies on CDOT’s Program Distribution
have an estimated $18.2 billion in available revenue
to develop revenue projections for funds DRCOG
through 2050. Approximately $11.6 billion is dedicated
administers. DRCOG is anticipated to have an estimated
to programmatic investments to operate and maintain
$3.8 billion in available revenue through 2050. To
the system. The remaining $6.6 billion is available
fund the largest number of priority projects, $3.0
for multimodal capital projects, with priorities based
billion of the total is dedicated to multimodal capital
on CDOT’s 10-Year Strategic Project Pipeline and
projects. These priorities include the implementation
additional long-term needs.
of a regional bus rapid transit network and capital
projects for arterial safety and Regional Vision Zero,
RTD
active transportation and freight. The remaining $800
DRCOG relies on forecasts developed by RTD to
million is allocated to programmatic investments for
determine the amount of funding available for use
set-asides, active transportation, Regional Vision Zero
on RTD’s transit network. RTD is anticipated to have
and freight improvements. Specific projects within these
an estimated $34.4 billion available in revenues
82
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Regional agencies' investment profile (billions)
RTD
CDOT
DRCOG
$0.7
$0.8
$6.6
$3.8
$11.6
$18.2
$34.4
$3.0
$33.7
Capital projects
Programmatic
through 2050. Through the interagency process, RTD
Non-Regional system funding
is allocating $730 million toward implementing the
Non-Regional system funding assumes the availability
Northwest Rail peak period service plan, a component
of revenue from local governments and private sources.
of FasTracks, and a contribution to the State Highway
DRCOG used historic data to calculate future revenues
119 bus rapid transit project. The remainder is dedicated
available. Approximately $65.5 billion is anticipated
to maintaining and operating the existing system. RTD
to be spent on improvements to facilities that are not
is prioritizing service and maintenance while working
part of the Regional Roadway System and do not have
through the financial repercussions of the COVID-19
regionally significant air quality impacts. Because these
pandemic.
roads are not eligible for regional funding, improvements
are fully funded by local governments or private sources.
Other regional system funding
Regional system funding assumes the availability
Estimated project costs
of revenue from federal discretionary awards, toll
authorities and local funding for improvements on
DRCOG relies on planning-level cost estimates from
the Regional Roadway System. DRCOG worked with
agencies that design and construct projects. Estimates
CDOT, RTD and federal partners to develop reasonable
include, as appropriate: preliminary engineering, right-
forecasts using historic data. Approximately $10.8 billion
of-way and construction. Current year (2020) project
is estimated to be available, of which 53% is dedicated
costs were forecast to the appropriate future year of
to preservation and operational improvements.
expenditure to reflect the trend of rising project costs
over time and to provide an accurate picture of the
anticipated cost at the time of implementation.
Explore funding and projects 83
Project solicitation and evaluation
DRCOG coordinated with CDOT, RTD and local
outlined in Metro Vision and reflects the needs and
governments to develop a performance-based approach
priorities identified at both the regional level and by
to request and evaluate a set of candidate projects
the county-level subregional forums. It also included
representing a diversity of project types and sponsoring
the transportation performance measures contained in
agencies for inclusion in the fiscally constrained 2050
the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act. The
RTP. The process incorporated the themes
performance measures include safety, congestion, air
quality and pavement/bridge condition. Concurrently,
DRCOG identified regionally significant projects which
Policy framework and desired outcomes
are anticipated to be funded entirely by local sponsoring
agencies.
• Metro Vision plan
• 2040 Metro Vision
Regional Transportation Plan
• 2020-2023 TIP
• Regional Multimodal Freight Plan
• Taking Action on Regional Vision Zero
• Active Transportation Plan
• Mobility Choice Blueprint
• Coordinated Transit Plan
• congestion management process
• regional intelligent transportation
systems architecture
• scenario analysis
local
DRCOG
U.S.
Department of
Transportation
vision
and needs
• transportation plans
• comprehensive plans
• subarea and district plans
State of
Colorado
• House Bill 19-1261:
Climate Action Plan to Reduce Pollution
• State Implementation Plan for Air Quality
• other applicable state requirements
84
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
RTD
• Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act
• planning factors
• national goals
• performance measures
CDOT
• Statewide Plan
• Project Priority Programming Process
• 10-year strategic projects
• Strategic Transportation Safety Plan
• Express Lanes Master Plan
• asset management plans and priorities
• FasTracks
• regional bus rapid transit study
• asset management plans and priorities
• Reimagine RTD
Scenario Planning Analysis
policy framework and desired outcomes illustrated
on the previous page. DRCOG also worked with the
DRCOG conducted a significant scenario planning
region’s local governments to prepare small area
analysis to explore future regional travel and mobility
forecasts as part of the official planning inputs for
outcomes through testing several transportation and
the 2050 RTP. Both of these efforts are described in
land use scenarios. This process helped inform the
Appendix F.
Investment priorities framework process
subregional
priorities
interagency
priorities
evaluation
process
policy framework
and desired outcomes
vision and needs
interagency coordination
process
revenue
assumptions
draft financial
plan
draft program and project
investment priorities
Transportation Advisory Committee,
Regional Transportation Committee
and Board of Directors review
final program and project
investment priorities
Explore funding and projects 85
137 candidate projects
107
25
5
county
transportation
forums
CDOT region 1
and CDOT region 4
RTD
137 total candidate projects
Partner agencies and local governments submitted 137
performance measures. The scores were provided
candidate projects, including managed lane projects,
to DRCOG’s Transportation Advisory Committee,
road widenings, active transportation and safety
Regional Transportation Committee and Board of
projects. DRCOG used the following key considerations
Directors to help guide discussions.
to evaluate projects and select those that best use
limited regional funding to advance the region’s goals:
• The 2050 candidate project solicitation and
Evaluation Panel, comprising local government
representatives who reviewed the scores of
evaluation process adopted by the DRCOG Board
candidate projects and provided guidance on
of Directors that reflected the distinct roles of the
project selection considerations.
regional agencies and the local governments.
• The priorities expressed by the public and
stakeholders including the results from multiple
rounds of meetings with the Civic Advisory Group
and the Youth Advisory Panel.
• The 2050 candidate project qualitative scoring
results by which each project was evaluated
against the Metro Vision themes and federal
86
• The input from the 2050 RTP Regional
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
• DRCOG travel demand estimates conducted to
determine future average daily traffic.
• The draft 2050 RTP financial plan and investment
strategy that outlined regional priorities, such as
safety and Vision Zero, air quality, regional transit,
active transportation, freight and multimodal
mobility.
Qualitative project scoring and associated Metro Vision objectives
Explore funding and projects 87
A bicyclist rides past the Denver Rock Drill near the 39th Avenue Greenway in
Denver’s Cole neighborhood. Photo credit: Alana Miller (photo contest finalist).
88
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Project and program
investment priorities
The fiscally constrained 2050 RTP includes the
multimodal projects selected through the candidate
project solicitation and evaluation process described
on page 87. The projects include both the regionally
significant capacity projects for air quality conformity, as
well as a diverse set of multimodal projects prioritized
during the 2050 RTP planning process. The plan also
includes several carryover projects from the 2040 RTP.
• Regional bus rapid transit network.
• Transit planning corridor investments.
• Arterial safety and Regional Vision Zero program.
• Active transportation program.
• Freight program.
The regionally significant projects are major roadway,
interchange and rapid transit projects that considerably
For a full list of program expenditures, see the Financial
change the capacity of the transportation network.
Plan (Appendix H). Table 3.2 lists the locally funded
Regionally significant projects are listed individually
fiscally constrained projects also adopted by the
in the 2050 RTP by air quality staging completion
DRCOG Board. Locally funded fiscally constrained
period (2020-2029, 2030-2039 and 2040-2050). The
projects are identified and funded by local governments
transportation networks containing these projects are
and toll authorities.
modeled to demonstrate compliance with federal air
quality conformity requirements.
The sum of the programs outlined above sets a
specific priority investment framework through the
Map 3.1 and tables 3.1 and 3.2 detail the fiscally
30-year timeframe of the 2050 RTP. While the 2050
constrained projects. Map 3.2 illustrates the roadway
RTP identifies several projects and lists them in Table
network that can be completed by 2050 with current
3.1, the priority investment framework will guide the
revenues. Map 3.3 shows the managed lanes network
selection of additional projects implementing the
that can be completed by 2050. Finally, Map 3.4 shows
programs, which will be included in future TIPs.
the fiscally constrained rapid transit network anticipated
by 2050.
Project and program investment priorities are also
drawn from the significant planning efforts undertaken
Table 3.1 lists the regionally funded fiscally constrained
by DRCOG, CDOT and RTD in recent years. Examples
project and program investment priorities identified in
include DRCOG’s Taking Action on Regional Vision
the interagency process and adopted by the DRCOG
Zero, CDOT’s Statewide Transportation Plan, and RTD’s
Board. These include:
Regional Bus Rapid Transit Feasibility Study.
• Multimodal capital projects.
• TIP set-aside programs.
The key fiscally constrained regionally significant
projects are described by type in the section that follows.
Explore funding and projects 89
New bike lanes, opened September 2020, on Pine Street in
Louisville. Photo credit: Gloria Handyside.
Photo credit: RTD.
Multimodal capital projects
TIP set-asides
Table 3.1 lists multimodal capital projects by the lead
TIP set-asides reflect continued investment in programs
funding agency (CDOT, DRCOG or RTD). They are a
for community mobility planning and implementation,
diverse set of roadway projects that include multiple
regional transportation operations and technology,
travel modes as part of their design and implementation.
regional air quality, commute options and human
While each project and project location within the Denver
service transportation through DRCOG’s TIP.
region is unique, the projects will be implemented in the
most locally appropriate multimodal way.
90
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Photo credit: RTD.
Photo credit: DRCOG.
Regional bus rapid transit projects
Corridor transit planning projects and program
The regional bus rapid transit projects listed in Table 3.1,
The corridor transit planning program draws on visioning
would implement a comprehensive, connected bus rapid
and planning conducted by local and regional agencies
transit network across the region over the next 30 years.
along several corridors throughout the region to further
The 2050 RTP includes the bus rapid transit corridors
define desired transit service. Corridors are listed in Table
prioritized by RTD’s Regional Bus Rapid Transit
3.1. The corridor transit planning program also includes
Feasibility Study which are anticipated to be completed
future mobility hubs at key locations and are expected to be
by 2050. The study prioritized projects based on factors
further refined. Mobility hubs vary by size and function, but
including safety, equity, projected ridership and cost.
in general provide connections for travelers between modes
such as transit, car-sharing and ride-hailing services, bikeand scooter-sharing programs, and walking.
Explore funding and projects 91
Photo credit: DRCOG.
Arterial safety and Regional Vision Zero projects
and program
Photo credit: DRCOG.
Active transportation program
The active transportation program will continue
The arterial safety and Regional Vision Zero program
implementing DRCOG’s Active Transportation Plan by
addresses travel safety, especially on major roadways,
eliminating gaps in the region’s bicycle and pedestrian
by implementing DRCOG’s Taking Action on Regional
networks, building out the regional active transportation
Vision Zero plan and CDOT’s Strategic Transportation
corridors and investing in the plan’s pedestrian focus
Safety Plan. The major arterial safety and Regional
areas and short-trip opportunity zones. Several specific
Vision Zero projects are listed in Table 3.1. The
projects are shown in Table 3.1.
program element would define future safety projects
for implementation through 2050. The innovative Safer
Main Streets collaboration between DRCOG and CDOT
is a model for the program element of the category.
92
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Photo credit: CDOT.
Photo credit: Douglas County.
Freight program
Locally funded projects
The freight program will focus on investments to
DRCOG worked with local governments and public
implement multimodal freight plans recently adopted by
highway authorities to identify locally funded, regionally
DRCOG and CDOT. Several specific projects are shown
significant capacity projects that will be completed
in Table 3.1.
by 2050. Projects in this category represent major
transportation investments but are typically funded by
local governments, toll highway authorities or other
project sponsors through funding sources they control,
such as general fund revenues, developer contributions
or other revenue sources. The list of locally funded
projects was updated from the 2040 RTP through two
rounds of coordination with project sponsors.
Explore funding and projects 93
Table 3.1: Regionally funded project and program investment priorities
Project name/
Corridor
Location/Limits
Project description
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan: regionally funded projects and programs
Colorado Department of Transportation administered funds for multimodal capital projects and programs
94
C-470
U.S. Route 285/
Morrison/Quincy
Interchange complex reconstruction
Federal Blvd.
6th Ave. to Howard Pl.
Widen from 5 to 6 lanes
I-25 North
(Segment 5)
State Hwy. 66 to
Weld County Rd. 38
(DRCOG boundary)
Add 1 toll/managed lane each direction
I-25 North
(Segment 4)
State Hwy. 7 to State
Hwy. 66
Managed lanes, State Hwy. 119 mobility hub (FirestoneLongmont Mobility Hub), intelligent transportation
systems, bicycle and pedestrian trail connections
I-25 North
E-470 to State Hwy. 7
Managed lanes, State Hwy. 7 interchange reconstruction
and State Hwy. 7 mobility hub
I-25 North
84th Ave. to 104th
Ave.
Operational improvements, center-loading transit station
at 88th Ave. and general purpose lane
I-25 Central
Improvements
Santa Fe Blvd. to 20th
St.
Safety, operations, multimodal mobility, transit and
community connections
I-25
Speer Blvd./23rd Ave.
Bridge replacements with safety and multimodal mobility
improvements
I-25
Santa Fe Dr. (U.S.
Route 85) to Alameda
Ave.
Bridge replacement, intersection safety and multimodal
mobility improvements
I-25
Belleview
Interchange reconstruction and pedestrian connections
I-25
El Paso County Line
to north of Crystal
Valley Pkwy.
Add 1 toll/managed-lane each direction
I-270
I-25/U.S. Route 36 to
I-70
New managed lanes
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
County
Project cost
(2020)
Staging period
Jefferson
$150,000,000
2030-2039
Denver
$23,400,000*
2020-2029
Weld
$175,000,000
2020-2029
Broomfield/Weld
$150,000,000
2030-2039
Broomfield
$200,000,000
Adams
Multimodal Project Elements
Bicycle/pedestrian
Safety
Transit
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
2030-2039
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
$230,000,000
2040-2050
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
Denver
$645,000,000
2040-2050
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
Denver
$75,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
Denver
$35,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
⚫
$112,000,000
2030-2039
⚫
⚫
⚫
Douglas
$300,000,000*
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
Adams
$500,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
⚫
Arapahoe
⚫
Freight
Continued on next page.
* This cost is not included in the fiscal constraint analysis because funding was allocated prior to 2020.
Explore funding and projects 95
Table 3.1: Regionally funded project and program investment priorities (continued)
Project name/
Corridor
Location/Limits
Project description
Colorado Department of Transportation administered funds for multimodal capital projects and programs
96
I-270
I-25/U.S. Route 36
and I-70
New freeway “direct connects” at each end of I-270
I-70 Floyd Hill
eastbound
improvements
Floyd Hill to Veterans
Memorial Tunnel
Eastbound interchange improvements with frontage road
extension from the Hidden Valley interchange to U.S.
Route 6 interchange
I-70 Floyd Hill
westbound
improvements
Floyd Hill to Veterans
Memorial Tunnel
Addition of a new express travel lane from the top of
Floyd Hill to Veterans Memorial Tunnels, and eastbound
auxiliary lane from the bottom to top of Floyd Hill
I-70
Eisenhower-Johnson
Memorial Tunnels
Major rehabilitation of the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial
Tunnels
I-70
Twin Tunnels to
Empire Junction (U.S.
Route 40)
Add 1 westbound peak period managed lane
I-70
Kipling
Interchange reconstruction and pedestrian connections
I-70
I-25 to Chambers Rd.
Add 2 new managed lanes
State Hwy. 66
Lyons to Hover St.
Operational/safety improvements from Lyons to Longmont
in alignment with PEL
State Hwy. 66
Hover St. to Main St.
(U.S. Route 287)
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
State Hwy. 83
(Parker Rd.)
State Hwy. 86 to E.
Mississippi Ave.
Corridor planning/investment for multimodal mobility,
operations and safety
U.S. Route 6
Wadsworth Blvd.
Interchange capacity
U.S. Route 85
120th Ave.
New interchange
U.S. Route 85
104th Ave.
New interchange
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
County
Project cost
(2020)
Staging period
Multimodal Project Elements
Bicycle/pedestrian
Safety
Transit
Freight
Adams
$300,000,000
2030-2039
⚫
⚫
⚫
Clear Creek
$250,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
⚫
Clear Creek
$450,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
⚫
Clear Creek
$142,000,000
2020-2050
⚫
⚫
⚫
Clear Creek
$50,000,000*
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
$80,000,000
2040-2050
$1,175,700,000*
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
Boulder
$5,000,000
2030-2039
⚫
⚫
⚫
Boulder
$5,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
⚫
Arapahoe/
Douglas
$150,000,000
2030-2039
⚫
⚫
Jefferson
$80,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
Adams
$100,000,000
2020-2029
Adams
$100,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
⚫
Jefferson
Denver/Adams
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
Continued on next page.
* This cost is not included in the fiscal constraint analysis because funding was allocated prior to 2020.
Explore funding and projects 97
Table 3.1: Regionally funded project and program investment priorities (continued)
Project name/
Corridor
Location/Limits
Project description
Colorado Department of Transportation administered funds for multimodal capital projects and programs
U.S. Route 85
Louviers to milepost
191.75
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
U.S. Route 85
Sedalia to Daniels
Park
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
U.S. Route 85
Daniels Park to
Meadows
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
U.S. Route 285
Pine Valley Rd.
(County Rd. 126)/Mt.
Evans Blvd.
New interchange
U.S. Route 285
Parker Ave.
New interchange
U.S. Route 285
Shaffers Crossing to
Kings Valley Dr.
Widen from 3 to 4 lanes (add 1 southbound lane)
U.S. Route 285
Kings Valley Dr.
New interchange
U.S. Route 285
Kings Valley Dr. to
Richmond Hill Rd.
Widen from 3 to 4 lanes (add 1 southbound lane)
Vasquez Blvd.
60th Ave.
Intersection improvements
Varies
Road resurfacing; traffic signals, optimization,
communication, variable message signs; bridge
replacement, rehabilitation, preservation; and other
systematic repairs and preventative maintenance
Regional
system
preservation,
enhancement,
and operations
98
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
County
Project cost
(2020)
Staging period
Multimodal Project Elements
Bicycle/pedestrian
Safety
Transit
Freight
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
2030-2039
⚫
⚫
$25,000,000
2030-2039
⚫
⚫
Jefferson
$60,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
Jefferson
$15,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
Jefferson
$25,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
Adams
$80,000,000
2040-2050
⚫
⚫
Douglas
$59,000,000*
2020-2029
Douglas
$35,000,000
2020-2029
Douglas
$32,000,000
2020-2029
Jefferson
$40,000,000
Jefferson
CDOT projects
total
$4,246,000,000
Regional
$11,408,841,041
CDOT programs
total
$11,408,841,041
2020-2050
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
Continued on next page.
* This cost is not included in the fiscal constraint analysis because funding was allocated prior to 2020.
Explore funding and projects 99
Table 3.1: Regionally funded project and program investment priorities (continued)
Project name/
Corridor
Location/Limits
Project description
Denver Regional Council of Governments administered funds for multimodal capital projects and programs
88th Ave.
I-76 northbound
ramps to State Hwy. 2
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
104th Ave.
Colorado Blvd. to
McKay Rd.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
120th Ave.
U.S. Route 85 to
E-470
Widen to 4 lanes
Broncos Pkwy./
Easter/Dry
Creek corridor
improvements
Parker Rd. to Havana
Widen to 4 lanes; bridge, multimodal corridor and
intersection improvements
County Line
Rd.
Phillips St. to
University Blvd.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Gun Club Rd.
State Hwy. 30 to 6th
Ave.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes, includes stream crossing
upgrade at Coal Creek, multimodal corridor improvements
and transit service
Gun Club Rd.
Quincy to Aurora
Pkwy.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes, multimodal corridor
improvements and transit service
I-25 North
104th Ave. to 120th
Ave.
Shoulders; general purpose lanes; bridge
I-25
Broadway
Interchange capacity
I-25
Lincoln Ave.
Interchange capacity
I-25
Happy Canyon Rd.
Interchange reconstruction
I-25
Meadows/Founders
Interchange reconstruction
I-25
Crystal Valley Pkwy.
New interchange and south frontage road
I-225/Yosemite
DTC Blvd. to I-25 onramp
Interchange and ramp reconstruction
100
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
County
Project cost
(2020)
Staging period
Multimodal Project Elements
Bicycle/pedestrian
Safety
Transit
Freight
Adams
$21,500,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
⚫
Adams
$8,100,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
⚫
Adams
$24,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
⚫
Arapahoe
$35,000,000
2040-2050
⚫
⚫
⚫
$9,500,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
⚫
Arapahoe
$60,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
Arapahoe
$30,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
Adams
$70,000,000
2040-2050
⚫
⚫
⚫
Denver
$50,000,000
2020-2029
Douglas
$49,400,000
2020-2029
Douglas
$30,000,000
2020-2029
Douglas
$50,000,000
2040-2050
Douglas
$80,000,000
2020-2029
Arapahoe
$60,000,000
2020-2029
Douglas
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
Continued on next page.
Explore funding and projects 101
Table 3.1: Regionally funded project and program investment priorities (continued)
Project name/
Corridor
Location/Limits
Project description
Denver Regional Council of Governments administered funds for multimodal capital projects and programs
Indiana (State
Hwy. 72)
W. 80th Ave. to W.
86th Pkwy.
Widen to 4 lanes
Kipling St.
Kentucky Ave. to I-70
Multimodal corridor improvements
Lincoln Ave.
Oswego to Keystone
Multimodal corridor improvements
Martin Luther
King Jr. Blvd.
Havana St./Iola St. to
Peoria St.
Widen 2 to 4 lanes; new 4-lane road
Peña Blvd.
I-70 to 64th Ave.
Add 1 managed lane in each direction
Peña Blvd.
64th Ave. to E-470
Add 1 managed lane in each direction
RidgeGate
Pkwy.
Havana St. to Lone
Tree eastern city limit
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Smoky Hill Rd.
Buckley Rd. to
Picadilly St.
Safety, operational and multimodal corridor improvements
and transit service
State Hwy. 7
164th Ave. to Dahlia
St.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
State Hwy. 30
Airport Blvd. to
Quincy Ave.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes, multimodal corridor
improvements and transit service
State Hwy. 52
Weld County Rd. 1 to
Weld County Rd. 13
Planning and Environment Linkages study outcomes —
safety, operational and multimodal improvements
State Hwy. 66
U.S. Route 287/Main
Street to E. County
Line Rd.(Weld County
Rd. 1)
Capacity, operations and bicycle/pedestrian
State Hwy. 66
E. County Line Rd.
(Weld County Rd. 1)
to Weld County Rd.
19
Widen 2 to 4 lanes, pedestrian improvements
102
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
County
Project cost
(2020)
Staging period
Multimodal Project Elements
Bicycle/pedestrian
Safety
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
Transit
Freight
⚫
Jefferson
$39,000,000
2030-2039
Jefferson
$250,000,000
2040-2050
Douglas
$24,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
Denver
$15,000,000*
2020-2029
⚫
Denver
$139,000,000
2030-2039
Denver
$124,000,000
2030-2039
Douglas
$8,000,000*
2020-2029
⚫
Arapahoe
$10,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
Adams
$24,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
$175,000,000
2030-2039
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
Weld
$20,000,000
2040-2050
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
Boulder
$15,000,000
2030-2039
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
Weld
$35,000,000
2040-2050
⚫
Arapahoe
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
Continued on next page.
* This cost is not included in the fiscal constraint analysis because funding was allocated prior to 2020.
Explore funding and projects 103
Table 3.1: Regionally funded project and program investment priorities (continued)
Project name/
Corridor
Location/Limits
Project description
Denver Regional Council of Governments administered funds for multimodal capital projects and programs
State Hwy. 93
State Hwy. 58 to State
Hwy. 170
Widen to 4 lanes and safety/transit improvements
U.S. Route 6
Heritage Rd.
New interchange
U.S. Route 85
(Santa Fe)
C-470 to Bowles
Corridor planning/investment for multimodal mobility,
operations and safety
U.S. Route
287/120th Ave.
Midway Blvd. to
Lowell Blvd.
Improve circulation, safety, active transportation access,
business access, congestion and transit operations
U.S. Route 85
Highlands Ranch
Pkwy. to north of
County Line Rd.
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes
Wadsworth
Blvd.
35th Ave. to 48th Ave.
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes
Wadsworth
Blvd.
17th Ave. to 35th Ave.
Multimodal corridor improvements
Varies
Investment in transportation demand management,
community mobility, air quality, operations and technology
and human services transportation
TIP Set-Asides
104
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
County
Project cost
(2020)
Staging period
Multimodal Project Elements
Bicycle/pedestrian
Safety
Transit
Freight
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
Jefferson
$200,000,000
2030-2039
Jefferson
$30,000,000
2020-2029
Arapahoe
$150,000,000
2040-2050
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
Broomfield
$15,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
Douglas
$50,100,000*
2020-2029
⚫
Jefferson
$31,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
Jefferson
$60,000,000
2040-2050
⚫
2020-2050
⚫
DRCOG
projects total
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
$1,918,500,000
Regional
$375,112,551
DRCOG
programs total
$375,112,551
Continued on next page.
* This cost is not included in the fiscal constraint analysis because funding was allocated prior to 2020.
Explore funding and projects 105
Table 3.1: Regionally funded project and program investment priorities (continued)
Project name/
Corridor
Location/Limits
Project description
Regional Transportation District administered funds for multimodal capital projects and programs
Westminster Station
to downtown
Longmont
Implement peak period service plan
Base System
and FasTracks
Operations and
Maintenance
Varies
On-going and preventative maintenance for transit
vehicles and facilities to operate RTD’s FasTracks and
base system.
Base System
and FasTracks
Debt Service
Varies
Repayment of debt service for the construction of RTD’s
FasTracks and base system
Northwest Rail
Regional bus rapid transit projects
New bus
maintenance
facility
TBD (RTD northern
area)
Construction of a new bus maintenance facility in RTD’s
northern service area
38th/Park BRT
Wadsworth to Colfax
Bus rapid transit service and supporting safety/
multimodal improvements
Alameda BRT
Wadsworth to R-Line
Bus rapid transit service and supporting safety/
multimodal improvements
Broadway/
Lincoln BRT
Colfax to Highlands
Ranch Pkwy.
Bus rapid transit service and supporting safety/
multimodal improvements
Colfax Ave.
BRT
Union Station to I-225
Bus rapid transit service (dedicated lanes)
and supporting safety/multimodal improvements
Colfax Ave.
Extension BRT
I-225 to E-470
Bus rapid transit service and supporting safety/
multimodal improvements
106
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
County
Project cost
(2020)
Adams/Boulder/
Broomfield/
Jefferson
$700,000,000
RTD projects
total
$700,000,000
Staging period
2040-2050
Regional
$27,287,056,566
2020-2050
Regional
$6,423,902,502
2020-2050
RTD programs
total
Multimodal Project Elements
Bicycle/pedestrian
Safety
Transit
⚫
⚫
⚫
Freight
⚫
$33,710,959,069
⚫
TBD
$50,000,000
2020-2029
Denver/Jefferson
$40,000,000
2040-2050
⚫
⚫
⚫
Arapahoe/
Denver/Jefferson
$61,000,000
2030-2039
⚫
⚫
⚫
Arapahoe/
Denver/Douglas
$61,000,000
2030-2039
⚫
⚫
⚫
Adams/
Arapahoe/Denver
$250,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
⚫
Adams/Arapahoe
$100,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
⚫
Continued on next page.
Explore funding and projects 107
Table 3.1: Regionally funded project and program investment priorities (continued)
Project name/
Corridor
Location/Limits
Project description
Regional bus rapid transit projects
Colorado Blvd.
BRT
A Line to I-25
Bus rapid transit service and supporting safety/
multimodal improvements
Federal Blvd.
BRT
120th to Santa Fe/
Dartmouth
Bus rapid transit service and supporting safety/
multimodal improvements
North I-25 BRT
Union Station to State
Hwy. 119
Bus rapid transit service and supporting safety/
multimodal improvements
Speer/
Leetsdale/
Parker BRT
Colfax to I-225
Bus rapid transit service and supporting safety/
multimodal improvements
State Hwy. 119
BRT
Downtown Boulder to
downtown Longmont
Bus rapid transit service and supporting safety/
multimodal corridor improvements, including a separated
bikeway
State Hwy. 119
BRT Extension
Downtown Longmont
to I-25/State Hwy. 119
mobility hub
Bus rapid transit service and supporting safety/
multimodal improvements, including the FirestoneLongmont Mobility Hub
Corridor transit planning projects and program
Regional
mobility hubs
Varies
Construction of multimodal mobility hubs
Regional
strategic transit
Varies
Invesment in regional transit services including Bustang,
human services transportation, and rural transportation
Castle Pines
transit mobility
corridor
Castle Pines to
RidgeGate RTD
Station
Transit corridor
108
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
County
Project cost
(2020)
Staging period
Multimodal Project Elements
Bicycle/pedestrian
Safety
Transit
Denver
$35,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
⚫
Adams/Denver
$94,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
⚫
Adams/
Broomfield/
Denver/Weld
$97,000,000
2040-2050
⚫
⚫
Arapahoe/Denver
$95,000,000
2030-2039
⚫
⚫
⚫
Boulder
$200,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
⚫
Boulder/Weld
$100,000,000
2030-2039
⚫
⚫
⚫
Regional bus
rapid transit
total
$1,183,000,000
Regional
$200,137,636
2020-2050
⚫
⚫
Regional
$200,137,636
2020-2050
⚫
⚫
Douglas
$20,000,000
2030-2039
⚫
⚫
Freight
⚫
Continued on next page.
Explore funding and projects 109
Table 3.1: Regionally funded project and program investment priorities (continued)
Project name/
Corridor
Location/Limits
Project description
Corridor transit planning projects and program
W. Colfax
Sheridan to
Broadway/Lincoln
Transit corridor and supporting safety/multimodal
improvements
Golden/Mines
autonomous
circulator
Downtown Golden,
School of Mines, RTD
W Line
Autonomous circulator
RidgeGate
Pkwy. transit
mobility
corridor
Mainstreet in Parker
to Lone Tree City
Center RTD Station
Transit corridor
S. Boulder Rd.
Lafayette to Boulder
Multimodal corridor improvements
State Hwy. 7
Boulder to Brighton
Multimodal corridor improvements
U.S. Route
36/28th St and
State Hwy. 93/
Broadway
U.S. Route 36/28th
St. and State Hwy.
93/Broadway
Transit corridor and supporting safety/multimodal
improvements
U.S. Route 287
U.S. Route 36 to
Larimer County Line
Safety, operational and multimodal improvements
Arterial safety/Regional Vision Zero/Complete Streets retrofits projects and program
Arterial safety/
Regional Vision
Zero/Complete
Streets retrofits
set-aside
110
High-Injury Network
and critical corridors
identified in the
Taking Action on
Regional Vision Zero
plan
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Vision Zero, safety and Complete Streets improvements
County
Denver
Project cost
(2020)
Staging period
Multimodal Project Elements
Bicycle/pedestrian
Safety
Transit
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
$26,573,077
2040-2050
$3,500,000
2020-2029
Douglas
$100,000,000
2040-2050
⚫
⚫
⚫
Boulder
$75,000,000
2040-2050
⚫
⚫
⚫
$100,000,000
2030-2039
⚫
⚫
⚫
$15,200,000
2030-2039
⚫
⚫
Boulder/
Broomfield
$200,000,000
2030-2039
⚫
⚫
Transit corridor
planning total
$940,548,349
Regional
$249,217,902
2020-2050
⚫
⚫
Jefferson
Adams/Boulder/
Broomfield
Boulder
⚫
Freight
⚫
Continued on next page.
Explore funding and projects 111
Table 3.1: Regionally funded project and program investment priorities (continued)
Project name/
Corridor
Location/Limits
Project description
Arterial safety/Regional Vision Zero/Complete Streets retrofits projects and program
112
Brighton Blvd.
Race to York
Reconstruction, Vision Zero, safety and freight
improvements
Chambers Rd.
E. 56th Ave. to E.
40th Ave.
Vision Zero corridor improvements
Colfax safety
improvements
Wadsworth to
Sheridan
Multimodal arterial safety
Federal Blvd.
multimodal
improvements
52nd Ave. to 120th
Ave.
Bicycle/pedestrian/transit improvements; Turn lanes; bus/
business access lanes
W. Mississippi
Ave.
South Federal Blvd. to
S. Broadway
Vision Zero and pedestrian improvements
Sheridan safety
improvements
52nd to Hampden
Vision Zero corridor improvements
State Hwy. 42
Louisville and
Lafayette
Safety and operational improvements
U.S. Route 36
Boulder to Lyons
Corridor safety improvements
U.S. Route 85
operational
and safety
improvements
Weld County Rd. 2 to
Weld County Rd. 10
Safety and operational improvements
U.S. Route 285
congestion
mitigation
improvements
Knox Ct./Lowell Blvd.
(west) to Havana
(east)
Speed and reliability corridor and Vision Zero
improvements
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
County
Project cost
(2020)
Staging period
Multimodal Project Elements
Bicycle/pedestrian
Safety
Transit
Freight
⚫
Denver
$19,762,500
2040-2050
⚫
⚫
⚫
Denver
$16,712,500
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
⚫
Jefferson
$12,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
Adams
$50,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
Denver
$18,600,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
⚫
Denver/Jefferson
$17,100,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
⚫
Boulder
$50,000,000
2030-2039
⚫
⚫
Boulder
$20,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
$6,100,000
2020-2029
⚫
Arapahoe/Denver
$88,200,000
2020-2029
⚫
Arterial safety/
Regional Vision
Zero/Complete
Streets retrofits
total
$547,692,902
Weld
⚫
⚫
Continued on next page.
Explore funding and projects 113
Table 3.1: Regionally funded project and program investment priorities (continued)
Project name/
Corridor
Location/Limits
Project description
Active transportation projects and program
Short-trip opportunity
zones, pedestrian
focus areas, and
active transportation
corridors identified in
the DRCOG Active
Transportation Plan
Bicycle and pedestrian improvements
Bear Creek
Trail
(not specified)
Upgrade trail for safe crossings and consistent cross
section. Integrate intelligent transportation systems/
artificial intelligence equipment.
Clear Creek
Greenway
Jefferson County Line
to Loveland Ski Area
Clear Creek Greenway portion of Peaks to Plains trail
system
McCaslin
Regional trail
Rock Creeky Pkwy. to
State Hwy. 128
Regional trail
Boulder to Erie
Regional Trail
Boulder to Erie
Regional trail
S. Platte River
Trail
Northern Denver city
limits (near 53rd Ave.)
to southern Denver
city limits (near
Harvard Ave.)
Complete missing links and upgrade trail section
S. Platte River
Trail
Northern Denver city
limits (near 53rd Ave.)
to southern Denver
city limits (near
Harvard Ave.)
Complete missing links and upgrade trail section
Smith Rd.
bicycle/
pedestrian
facilities
Peoria Street to
Powhaton Rd.
New shared-use path
Active
transportation
set-aside
114
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
County
Project cost
(2020)
Staging period
Multimodal Project Elements
Bicycle/pedestrian
Safety
$822,477,521
2020-2050
⚫
⚫
Denver
$31,200,000
2040-2050
⚫
⚫
Clear Creek
$50,000,000
2040-2050
⚫
⚫
Boulder
$3,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
Boulder
$6,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
Denver
$25,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
Denver
$25,000,000
2030-2039
⚫
⚫
Adams
$4,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
Regional
Transit
Freight
Continued on next page.
Explore funding and projects 115
Table 3.1: Regionally funded project and program investment priorities (continued)
Project name/
Corridor
Location/Limits
Project description
Active transportation projects and program
St. Vrain
Greenway
Longmont to Lyons
Regional trail
Freight projects and program
116
Freight setaside
Varies
Freight improvements including but not limited to bridge
reconstructions, overpasses/underpasses, new bridges
47th Ave./48th
Ave.
I-25 to Pecos
Bridge reconstruction, new multimodal underpass and
new bicycle/pedestrian bridge
Alameda Pkwy.
Bridge over
I-225
Between Potomac St.
and Abilene St.
Bridge reconstruction
Peoria St.
Bridge
Sand Creek
Bridge reconstuction
Ward Rd./
BNSF
I-70 frontage road
north and Ridge Rd.
Multimodal grade separation
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
County
Boulder
Active
transportation
total
Project cost
(2020)
$4,000,000
Staging period
2020-2029
Multimodal Project Elements
Bicycle/pedestrian
Safety
⚫
⚫
Transit
Freight
$970,677,521
⚫
⚫
Regional
$75,836,451
2020-2050
Denver
$45,225,000
2040-2050
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
Arapahoe
$20,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
⚫
⚫
Adams
$19,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
Jefferson
$60,000,000
2020-2029
⚫
⚫
Freight total
⚫
⚫
⚫
$220,061,451
Explore funding and projects 117
Table 3.2: Locally funded projects and programs
Project name/
Corridor
Location/Limits
Project description
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan: locally funded projects
Local government funded projects and programs
118
6th Ave.
Airport Blvd. to Tower Rd.
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
6th Ave.
Tower Rd. to 6th Pkwy.
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
6th Ave.
6th Pkwy. to Harvest Rd.
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
6th Ave.
Harvest Mile Rd. to Watkins Rd.
New 6-lane road
6th Ave.
Watkins Rd. to Manila Rd.
New 4-lane road
6th Ave.
Manila Rd. to Schumaker Rd.
New 2-lane road
17th Ave.
Alpine St. to Ute Creek Dr.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
48th Ave.
Picadilly Rd. to Powhaton Rd.
New 6-lane road
48th Ave.
Powhaton Rd. to Monaghan Rd.
New 2-lane road
48th Ave.
Powhaton Rd. to Monaghan Rd.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
48th Ave.
Imboden Rd. to Manila Rd.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
56th Ave.
Havana St. to Peña Blvd.
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes
56th Ave.
Peoria St. to Peña Blvd.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
56th Ave.
Peña Blvd. to Tower Rd.
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes
56th Ave.
Genoa St. to Picadilly Rd.
Widen from 5 to 6 lanes
56th Ave.
Picadilly Rd. to E-470
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
56th Ave.
E-470 to Powhaton Rd.
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
56th Ave.
Powhaton Rd. to Imboden Rd.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
56th Ave.
Imboden Rd. to Schumaker Rd.
New 2-lane road
58th Ave.
Washington St. to York St.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
64th Ave.
Tower Rd. to Denver/Aurora City
Limits
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
County
Project cost (2020)
Staging period
Arapahoe
$10,160,000
2020-2029
Arapahoe
$14,097,000
2020-2029
Arapahoe
$13,194,030
2020-2029
Adams
$19,200,000
2040-2050
Arapahoe
$19,200,000
2040-2050
Adams
$9,600,000
2040-2050
Boulder
$2,302,510
2020-2029
Adams
$40,706,040
2020-2029
Adams
$7,500,000
2020-2029
Adams
$7,500,000
2030-2039
Adams
$4,800,000
2030-2039
Denver
$15,000,000
2030-2039
Denver
$40,000,000
2020-2029
Denver
$17,300,000
2020-2029
Denver
$5,800,000
2020-2029
Adams
$9,696,450
2020-2029
Adams
$19,400,000
2020-2029
Adams
$24,000,000
2030-2039
Adams
$19,000,000
2040-2050
Adams
$10,346,093
2020-2029
Denver
$700,000
2020-2029
Continued on next page.
Explore funding and projects 119
Table 3.2: Locally funded projects and programs (continued)
Project name/
Corridor
Location/Limits
Project description
Local government funded projects and programs
64th Ave.
Denver/Aurora city limit to
Himalaya St.
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
64th Ave.
Himalaya Rd. to Harvest Mile Rd.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
64th Ave.
Himalaya Rd. to Harvest Mile Rd.
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes
64th Ave.
Harvest Mile Rd. to Powhaton Rd.
New 2-lane road
64th Ave.
Harvest Mile Rd. to Powhaton Rd.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
64th Ave.
Powhaton Rd. to Monaghan Rd.
New 4-lane road
72nd Ave.
Simms St. to Kipling St.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
96th Ave.
State Hwy. 2 to Tower Rd.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
96th Ave.
Tower Rd. to Picadilly Rd.
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
Interlocken
Loop
96th St. to State Hwy. 128
Add 2 toll lanes
104th Ave.
Marion St. to Colorado Blvd.
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes
104th Ave.
McKay Rd. to U.S. Route 85
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
120th Ave.
Sable Blvd. to E-470
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
120th Ave.
E-470 to Picadilly Rd.
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
144th Ave.
U.S. Route 287 to Zuni St.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
144th Ave.
Washington St. to York St.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
144th Ave.
York St. to Colorado Blvd.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
152nd Ave.
Washington St. to York St.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Arapahoe Rd.
Waco St. to Himalaya St.
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
Arapahoe Rd.
Himalaya Way to Liverpool St.
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes
E. Bromley Ln.
U.S. Route 85 to Sable Blvd.
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes
E. Bromley Ln.
Tower Rd. to I-76
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes
120
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
County
Project cost (2020)
Staging period
Adams
$6,452,362
2020-2029
Adams
$39,000,000
2030-2039
Adams
$39,000,000
2030-2039
Adams
$6,452,362
2020-2029
Adams
$10,934,700
2020-2029
Adams
$6,709,410
2020-2029
Jefferson
$20,000,000
2030-2039
Adams
$46,672,500
2030-2039
Adams
$14,668,500
2030-2039
Broomfield
$39,370,000
2020-2029
Adams
$6,276,340
2020-2029
Adams
$40,600,000
2020-2029
Adams
$29,718,000
2030-2039
Adams
$15,500,000
2030-2039
Broomfield
$21,200,000
2020-2029
Adams
$12,795,250
2020-2029
Adams
$10,433,050
2020-2029
Adams
$13,074,650
2030-2039
Arapahoe
$20,400,000
2020-2029
Arapahoe
$6,176,772
2020-2029
Adams
$1,333,500
2020-2029
Adams
$1,853,032
2020-2029
Continued on next page.
Explore funding and projects 121
Table 3.2: Locally funded projects and programs (continued)
Project name/
Corridor
Location/Limits
Project description
Local government funded projects and programs
Broncos Pkwy.
Havana St. to Peoria St.
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes
Broncos Pkwy.
Jordan Rd. to Parker Rd.
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes
Buckley Rd.
136th Ave. to Bromley Rd.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Buckley Rd.
118th Ave. to Cameron Dr.
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
C-470
eastbound: S.
Kipling Pkwy. to
I-25
S. Kipling Pkwy. to Wadsworth
Blvd.
Add 1 high-occupancy toll lane
C-470
westbound: S.
Kipling Pkwy. to
I-25
Wadsworth Blvd. to S. Kipling
Pkwy.
Add 1 high-occupancy toll lane
C-470
westbound: S.
Kipling Pkwy. to
I-25
Colorado Blvd. to Lucent Blvd.
Add 1 high-occupancy toll lane
C-470
eastbound: S.
Kipling Pkwy. to
I-25
Broadway to I-25
Add 1 high-occupancy toll lane
Canyonside
Blvd.
Crowfoot Valley Rd. to Hess Rd.
New 4-lane road
Chambers Rd.
E-470 to Arapahoe/Douglas
County Line
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes
Chambers Rd.
Mainstreet to Lincoln Ave.
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes
Chambers Rd.
Hess Rd. to Mainstreet
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes
Chambers Rd.
Crowfoot Valley Rd. to Hess Rd.
New 2-lane road
Chambers Rd.
Crowfoot Valley Rd. to Hess Rd.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Chambers Rd.
Crowfoot Valley Rd. to Hess Rd.
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes
122
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
County
Project cost (2020)
Staging period
Arapahoe
$8,134,350
2020-2029
Arapahoe
$6,934,200
2020-2029
Adams
$7,747,000
2020-2029
Adams
$13,897,737
2020-2029
Douglas/Jefferson
$45,000,000
2020-2029
Douglas/Jefferson
$45,000,000
2020-2029
Douglas
$80,000,000
2030-2039
Douglas
$80,000,000
2030-2039
Douglas
$16,000,000
2030-2039
Douglas
$12,500,000
2040-2050
Douglas
$16,000,000
2040-2050
Douglas
$10,000,000
2040-2050
Douglas
$19,500,000
2020-2029
Douglas
$17,500,000
2030-2039
Douglas
$12,000,000
2040-2050
Continued on next page.
Explore funding and projects 123
Table 3.2: Locally funded projects and programs (continued)
Project name/
Corridor
Location/Limits
Project description
Local government funded projects and programs
Chambers Rd./
Bayou Gulch
Rd.
Parker Rd. to Vistancia Dr.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Chambers Rd./
Bayou Gulch
Rd.
Vistancia Dr. to southern
boundary
New 2-lane road
Chambers Rd./
Bayou Gulch
Rd.
Vistancia Dr. to southern
boundary
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Chambers Rd./
Bayou Gulch
Rd.
Crowfoot Valley Rd.to Parker
south town limit, new road
New 2-lane road
Chambers Rd./
Bayou Gulch
Rd.
Crowfoot Valley Rd. to Parker
south town limit, widening
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Colorado Blvd.
south of 168th Ave. to 168th Ave.
New 4-lane road
Colorado Blvd.
156th Ave. to south of 168th Ave.
New 4-lane road
Colorado Blvd.
144th Ave. to 156th Ave.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
E. County Line
Rd.
9th Ave. to State Hwy. 66
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Crowfoot Valley
Rd.
Chambers Rd. to Stroh Rd.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Crowfoot Valley
Rd.
Macanta Rd./Canyonside Blvd. to
Chambers Rd.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Crowfoot Valley
Rd.
Founders Pkwy. to Macanta Rd./
Canyonside Blvd.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Green Valley
Ranch Blvd.
Chambers Rd. to Peña Blvd.
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes
Green Valley
Ranch Blvd.
Peña Blvd. to Tower Rd.
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes
124
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
County
Project cost (2020)
Staging period
Douglas
$18,000,000
2040-2050
Douglas
$6,000,000
2020-2029
Douglas
$6,000,000
2040-2050
Douglas
$5,000,000
2020-2029
Douglas
$4,500,000
2030-2039
Adams
$23,500,000
2030-2039
Adams
$23,500,000
2030-2039
Adams
$23,500,000
2030-2039
Boulder
$9,779,000
2030-2039
Douglas
$11,500,000
2030-2039
Douglas
$38,000,000
2030-2039
Douglas
$10,000,000
2030-2039
Denver
$9,900,000
2020-2029
Denver
$1,700,000
2020-2029
Continued on next page.
Explore funding and projects 125
Table 3.2: Locally funded projects and programs (continued)
Project name/
Corridor
Location/Limits
Project description
Local government funded projects and programs
Gun Club Rd.
Yale Ave. to Mississippi Ave.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Gun Club Rd.
Yale Ave. to Mississippi Ave.
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes
Gun Club Rd.
Quincy Ave. to 1.5 miles south of
Quincy Ave.
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
Hampden Ave.
Picadilly Rd. to Gun Club Rd.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Harvest Mile
Rd.
56th Ave. to 64th Ave.
New 3-lane road
Harvest Mile
Rd.
56th Ave. to 64th Ave.
Widen from 3 to 6 lanes
Harvest Mile
Rd.
48th Ave. to 56th Ave.
New 6-lane road
Harvest Mile
Rd./Powhaton
Rd.
I-70 to 26th Ave.
New 4-lane road
Harvest Mile
Rd./Powhaton
Rd.
I-70 to 26th Ave.
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes
Harvest Rd.
6th Ave. to I-70
New 6-lane road
Harvest Rd.
Alameda Ave. to 1st Ave.
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes
Harvest Rd.
Mississippi Ave. to Alameda Ave.
Add new 6-lane road
Harvest Mile
Rd.
Jewell Ave. to Mississippi Ave.
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
Hess Rd.
Canyonside Blvd. to Chamber Rd.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Hilltop Rd.
Canterberry Pkwy. to Singing Hills
Rd.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Huron St.
160th Ave. to State Hwy. 7
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Huron St.
150th Ave. to 160th Ave.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
126
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
County
Project cost (2020)
Staging period
Arapahoe
$10,899,140
2030-2039
Arapahoe
$10,899,140
2030-2039
Arapahoe
$26,670,000
2020-2029
Arapahoe
$12,353,544
2020-2029
Adams
$6,452,235
2020-2029
Adams
$7,760,970
2030-2039
Adams
$15,900,000
2020-2039
Adams
$12,000,000
2020-2029
Adams
$8,000,000
2030-2039
Adams
$13,313,410
2020-2029
Arapahoe
$6,657,340
2020-2029
Arapahoe
$13,313,410
2020-2029
Arapahoe
$13,313,410
2030-2039
Douglas
$17,000,000
2030-2039
Douglas
$20,000,000
2020-2029
Broomfield
$5,080,000
2020-2029
Broomfield
$8,572,500
2020-2029
Continued on next page.
Explore funding and projects 127
Table 3.2: Locally funded projects and programs (continued)
Project name/
Corridor
Location/Limits
Project description
Local government funded projects and programs
I-70
Picadilly Rd.
Add new interchange
I-70
Harvest Mile Rd.
Add new interchange
I-76
Bridge St.
Add new interchange
Imboden Rd.
48th Ave. to 56th Ave.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Jefferson Pkwy.
State Hwy. 128/96th St. to State
Hwy. 93 north of 64th Ave.
New 4-lane road
Jefferson Pkwy.
Indiana St./State Hwy. 128
Add new interchange
Jefferson Pkwy.
Candelas Pkwy.
Add new interchange
Jefferson Pkwy.
State Hwy. 72
Add new interchange
Jewell Ave.
Himalaya St. to E-470
Widen from 3 to 6 lanes
Jewell Ave.
E-470 to Gun Club Rd.
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
Jewell Ave.
Gun Club Rd. to Harvest Mile Rd.
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
Jewell Ave.
Harvest Rd. to Monaghan Rd.
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
Jewell Ave.
Monaghan Rd. to Watkins Rd.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Lincoln Ave.
Peoria St. to 1st Ave.
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes
Lincoln Ave.
1st St. to Keystone Blvd.
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes
Lincoln Ave.
Keystone Blvd. to Parker Rd.
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes
Mainstreet
Canterberry Pkwy. to Delbert Rd.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Manila Rd.
Alameda Ave. to I-70
New 4-lane road
Manila Rd.
I-70 to 48th Ave.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
McIntyre St.
52nd Ave. to 60th Ave.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Monaghan Rd.
56th Ave. to 64th Ave.
New 4-lane road
Monaghan Rd.
26th Ave. to 56th Ave.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Monaghan Rd.
I-70 to 26th Ave.
New 4-lane road
128
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
County
Project cost (2020)
Staging period
Adams
$27,490,547
2020-2029
Adams/Arapahoe
$39,566,215
2020-2029
Adams
$25,400,000
2020-2029
Adams
$24,000,000
2030-2039
Jefferson
Jefferson
2020-2029
$259,080,000
2020-2029
Jefferson
2020-2029
Jefferson
2020-2029
Arapahoe
$13,194,030
2020-2029
Arapahoe
$4,848,860
2020-2029
Arapahoe
$9,950,450
2020-2029
Adams
$9,700,000
2030-2039
Adams
$14,400,000
2030-2039
Douglas
$4,000,000
2030-2039
Douglas
$18,000,000
2030-2039
Douglas
$20,250,000
2020-2029
Douglas
$28,000,000
2040-2050
Adams
$5,000,000
2030-2039
Adams
$15,000,000
2030-2039
Jefferson
$6,500,000
2020-2029
Arapahoe
$25,000,000
2030-2039
Arapahoe
$26,000,000
2030-2039
Arapahoe
$25,000,000
2030-2039
Continued on next page.
Explore funding and projects 129
Table 3.2: Locally funded projects and programs (continued)
Project name/
Corridor
Location/Limits
Project description
Local government funded projects and programs
Monaghan Rd.
Quincy Ave. to Yale Ave.
New 6-lane road
Nelson Rd.
75th St. to Affolter Dr.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Pace St.
5th Ave. to 17th Ave.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Pecos St.
52nd Ave. to 0.72 miles north of
52nd Ave.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Peña Blvd.
E-470 to Jackson Gap St.
Widen from 6 to 8 lanes
Peña Blvd.
Gun Club Rd.
Interchange capacity
Peña Blvd.
Jackson Gap St. west ramps to
DEN terminal
Widen from 6 to 8 lanes
Peoria St.
E-470 to 0.75 mile south of
Lincoln Ave.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Peoria St.
0.75 miles south of Lincoln Ave. to
Mainstreet/RidgeGate Pkwy.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Picadilly Rd.
96th Ave. to 120th Ave.
New 6-lane road
Picadilly Rd.
82nd Ave. to 96th Ave.
New 6-lane road
Picadilly Rd.
70th Ave. to 82nd Ave.
New 6-lane road
Picadilly Rd.
56th Ave. to 70th Ave./Aurora city
limits
New 6-lane road
Picadilly Rd.
48th Ave. to 56th Ave.
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
Picadilly Rd.
Smith Rd. to 48th Ave.
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
Picadilly Rd.
I-70 to Smith Rd.
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
Picadilly Rd.
Colfax Ave. to I-70
New 6-lane road
Picadilly Rd.
6th Pkwy. to Colfax Ave.
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
Picadilly Rd.
State Hwy. 30 to 6th Pkwy.
New 4-lane road
Plum Creek
Pkwy.
Wolfensberger Rd. to I-25
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
130
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
County
Arapahoe
Project cost (2020)
Staging period
$22,860,000
2030-2039
Boulder
$5,198,110
2020-2029
Boulder
$3,827,780
2020-2029
Adams
$8,647,748
2020-2029
Denver
$33,000,000
2020-2029
Denver
$15,000,000
2020-2029
Denver
$10,200,000
2020-2029
Douglas
$7,000,000
2030-2039
Douglas
$5,000,000
2030-2039
Adams
$49,022,000
2030-2039
Adams
$21,590,000
2030-2039
Denver
$11,400,000
2020-2029
Adams
$20,353,020
2020-2029
Adams
$13,568,680
2020-2029
Adams
$22,496,780
2020-2029
Adams
$5,332,730
2020-2029
Adams
$12,904,724
2020-2029
Arapahoe
$5,000,000
2020-2029
Arapahoe
$7,000,000
2020-2029
Douglas
$5,080,000
2020-2029
Continued on next page.
Explore funding and projects 131
Table 3.2: Locally funded projects and programs (continued)
Project name/
Corridor
Location/Limits
Project description
Local government funded projects and programs
132
Plum Creek
Pkwy.
Gilbert St. to Ridge Rd.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Powhaton Rd.
26th Ave. to 48th Ave.
New 6-lane road
Powhaton Rd.
Jewell Ave. to 26th Ave.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Powhaton Rd.
Smoky Hill Rd. to County Line Rd.
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
Quail Run Rd./
Imboden Rd.
I-70 to 48th Ave.
New 4-lane road
Quail Run Rd.
6th Ave. to I-70
New 4-lane road
Quebec St.
132nd Ave. to 160th Ave.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Quebec St.
120th Ave. to 128th Ave.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Quincy Ave.
Simms St. to Kipling Pkwy.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Quincy Ave.
Irving St. to Federal Blvd.
New 2-lane road
Quincy Ave.
Plains Pkwy. to Gun Club Rd.
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
Quincy Ave.
Monaghan Rd. to Hayesmount
Rd.
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
Quincy Ave.
Hayesmount Rd. to Watkins Rd.
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
Rampart Range
Rd.
Waterton Rd. to Titan Rd.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Ridge Rd.
Plum Creek Pkwy. To State Hwy.
86
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Sheridan Pkwy.
Northwest Pkwy. to Preble Creek
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Sheridan Pkwy.
Lowell Blvd. to Northwest Pkwy.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Smoky Hill Rd.
Pheasant Run Pkwy. to Versailes
Pkwy.
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes
State Hwy. 7
Boulder County Line to Sheridan
Pkwy.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
County
Project cost (2020)
Staging period
Douglas
$5,080,000
2020-2029
Adams
$40,000,000
2020-2029
Adams/Arapahoe
$24,500,000
2040-2050
$3,491,230
2030-2039
$24,000,000
2030-2039
$5,000,000
2040-2050
Adams
$21,010,880
2020-2029
Adams
$8,432,800
2020-2029
Jefferson
$12,001,500
2020-2029
Arapahoe
$3,810,000
2020-2029
Arapahoe
$13,335,000
2020-2029
Arapahoe
$18,935,700
2030-2039
Arapahoe
$16,002,000
2030-2039
Douglas
$10,000,000
2030-2039
Douglas
$3,810,000
2020-2029
Broomfield
$5,715,000
2020-2029
Broomfield
$7,620,000
2020-2029
Arapahoe
$33,909,000
2030-2039
Broomfield
$6,604,000
2020-2029
Arapahoe
Adams
Arapahoe
Continued on next page.
Explore funding and projects 133
Table 3.2: Locally funded projects and programs (continued)
Project name/
Corridor
Location/Limits
Project description
Local government funded projects and programs
State Hwy. 7
Sheridan Pkwy. to I-25
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
State Hwy. 7
Riverdale Rd. to U.S. Route 85
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
State Hwy. 30
Stephen D. Hogan Pkwy. (6th
Pkwy.) to Mississippi Ave.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
State Hwy. 58
Cabela St.
Add new interchange
Stephen D.
Hogan Pkwy.
(6th Pkwy.)
State Hwy. 30 to E-470
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
Stephen D.
Hogan Pkwy.
(6th Pkwy.)
E-470 to Gun Club Rd.
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
Stroh Rd.
Chambers Rd. to Crowfoot Valley
Rd.
New 4-lane road
Stroh Rd.
Crowfoot Valley Rd. to J. Morgan
Blvd.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Titan Rd.
Rampart Range Rd. to Santa Fe
Dr.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Tower Rd./
Buckley Rd.
105th Ave. to 118th Ave.
New 4-lane road
Tower Rd.
Peña Blvd. to 105th Ave.
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes
Tower Rd.
56th Ave. to Peña Blvd.
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes
Tower Rd.
48th Ave. to 56th Ave.
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes
Tower Rd.
45th Ave. to Green Valley Ranch
Blvd.
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes
Tower Rd.
Colfax Ave. to Smith Rd.
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
Tower Rd.
6th Ave. to Colfax Ave.
New 2-lane road
Tower Rd.
6th Ave. to Colfax Ave.
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
134
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
County
Project cost (2020)
Staging period
Broomfield
$10,172,700
2020-2029
Adams
$16,319,500
2030-2039
Arapahoe
$18,000,000
2020-2029
Jefferson
$19,558,000
2020-2029
Arapahoe
$34,904,680
2030-2039
Arapahoe
$4,848,860
2020-2029
Douglas
$14,000,000
2020-2029
Douglas
$9,250,000
2020-2029
Douglas
$25,000,000
2030-2039
Adams
$8,801,100
2020-2029
Adams
$20,000,000
2020-2029
Denver
$16,000,000
2020-2029
Denver
$5,300,000
2020-2029
Denver
$2,500,000
2020-2029
Adams
$8,727,440
2020-2029
Arapahoe
$25,820,370
2020-2029
Arapahoe
$25,820,370
2030-2039
Continued on next page.
Explore funding and projects 135
Table 3.2: Locally funded projects and programs (continued)
Project name/
Corridor
Location/Limits
Project description
Local government funded projects and programs
136
U.S. Route 85
Titan Rd. to Highlands Ranch Pkwy.
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes
Washington St.
152nd Ave. to 160th Ave.
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
Waterton Rd.
State Hwy. 121 to Campfire St.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Watkins Rd.
Quincy Ave. to I-70
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
Wolfensberger
Rd.
Coachline Rd. to Prairie Hawk Dr.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
Yale Ave.
Monaghan Rd. to Hayesmount Rd.
Widen from 2 to 6 lanes
York St.
160th Ave. (State Hwy. 7) to 168th
Ave.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
York St.
E-470 to State Hwy. 7
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
York St.
152nd Ave. to E-470
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
York St.
88th Ave. to 78th Ave.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
York St.
78th Ave. to State Hwy. 224
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
York St.
State Hwy. 224 to 58th Ave.
Widen from 2 to 4 lanes
System
preservation,
enhancement,
and operations
Varies
Road resurfacing; traffic signals, optimization,
communication, variable message signs; and
other systematic repairs and preventative
maintenance
Bridges &
culverts
Varies
Bridge replacement, rehabilitation,
preservation, and systematic repairs
New nonregional
roadway system
Varies
Construction of new arterials, collectors, and
local roads
Toll authority
debt service
Varies
Repayment of debt service for the
construction of toll facilities
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
County
Project cost (2020)
Staging period
Douglas
$5,000,000
2030-2039
Adams
$37,300,000
2020-2029
Douglas
$16,000,000
2030-2039
Arapahoe
$54,673,500
2030-2039
$7,500,000
2030-2039
$17,335,500
2030-2039
Adams
$7,493,000
2020-2029
Adams
$10,668,000
2020-2029
Adams
$13,074,650
2030-2039
Adams
$13,500,000
2020-2029
Adams
$12,800,000
2020-2029
Adams
$20,000,000
2020-2029
Douglas
Arapahoe
Local government projects total
$3,315,886,301
Regional
$17,025,350,550
2020-2050
Regional
$3,367,673,315
2020-2050
Regional
$48,275,895,000
2020-2050
Regional
$1,850,678,088
2020-2050
Local government programs total
$70,519,596,954
Continued on next page.
Explore funding and projects 137
Table 3.2: Locally funded projects and programs (continued)
Project name/
Corridor
Location/Limits
Project description
E-470 Public Highway Authority projects and programs
E-470
U.S. Route 85 to I-25 North
Widen 4 to 6 lanes
E-470
I-76 to U.S. Route 85
Widen 4 to 6 lanes
E-470
Peoria
Widen to 6 through-lanes plus turn lanes
E-470
Sable
New interchange
E-470
104th to I-76
Widen 4 to 6 lanes
E-470
Peña to I-76
Widen 6 to 8 lanes
E-470
I-76
Add ramps for fully directional interchange
E-470
I-76
Add ramps for fully directional interchange
E-470
112th Ave.
New interchange
E-470
Peña
Add separated auxillary lanes
E-470
I-70 to 104th
Widen 4 to 6 lanes
E-470
88th Ave.
New interchange
E-470
48th Ave.
New interchange
E-470
38th Ave.
New interchange
E-470/I-70
interchange
Complex
I-70
Directional I-70 interchanges
E-470
Quincy to I-70
Widen 4 to 6 lanes
E-470
Smoky Hill to I-70
Widen 6 to 8 lanes
E-470
Parker Rd. to Smoky Hill
Widen 6 to 8 lanes
E-470
I-25 South to Parker Rd.
Widen 6 to 8 lanes
138
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
County
Project cost (2020)
Staging period
Adams
$109,000,000
2030-2039
Adams
$41,000,000
2030-2039
Adams
$1,750,000
2030-2039
Adams
$21,096,000
2020-2029
Adams
$102,000,000
2020-2029
Adams
$23,000,000
2030-2039
Adams
$27,700,000
2020-2029
Adams
$83,100,000
2030-2039
Adams
$15,822,000
2020-2029
Denver
$19,885,000
2020-2029
Adams
$74,000,000
2020-2029
Adams
$15,822,000
2020-2029
Adams
$21,096,000
2020-2029
Adams
$30,589,000
2020-2029
Adams
$106,500,000
2020-2029
Arapahoe
$56,950,000
2020-2029
Arapahoe
$28,000,000
2020-2029
Arapahoe/Douglas
$16,000,000
2020-2029
Douglas
$18,000,000
2020-2029
E-470 Public Highway Authority projects total
$811,310,000
Continued on next page.
Explore funding and projects 139
Table 3.2: Locally funded projects and programs (continued)
Project name/
Corridor
Location/Limits
Project description
E-470 Public Highway Authority projects and programs
E-470
renewal and
replacement
program
Varies
Infrastructure renewal, replacement and
maintenance items
E-470 ramp
signalization
and geometric
improvements
Varies
Signalize ramp terminal intersections and
geometric interchange improvements
E-470
pavement
overlays
Varies
Pavement overlays needed before
reconstruction associated with anticipated
widenings
E-470 multiuse
trails
Varies
Trail projects anticipated to be linked with
E-470 widenings
140
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
County
Project cost (2020)
Staging period
Adams/Arapahoe/Douglas
$679,022,419
2020-2050
Adams/Arapahoe/Douglas
$62,444,000
2020-2050
Adams/Arapahoe/Douglas
$25,618,000
2020-2050
Adams/Arapahoe/Douglas
$28,600,000
2020-2050
E-470 Public Highway Authority programs total
2050 RTP projects total
$795,684,419
$13,221,027,025
2050 RTP programs total
$118,358,001,179
2050 RTP investment total
$131,563,828,204
Explore funding and projects 141
Map 3.1: Fiscally constrained projects
¤
O
í
M
}
I
Â
K
Boulder
í
M
Southwest
Weld
Í
M
}
I
`
!
b
!
¼
O
Broomfield
p
M
Gilpin
Adams
ò
M
s
I
s
I
a
!
Clear Creek
a
!
Ê
M
Denver
Arapahoe
²
I
Jefferson
§
I
`
!
h
M
Western Clear Creek County
j
M
Douglas
`
!
Staging Years
2020-2029
2030-2039
2040-2050
Regional Roadway System
County Boundaries
DRCOG Boundary
142
SOURCE DATA: DRCOG, Esri
Basemap; SR 6428 (see full source
information and disclaimer in appendix)
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
±
0
5
Miles
Map 3.2: Fiscally constrained roadway network
Central Denver County
}
I
Â
K
M
ú
Ê
M
`
!
`
!
¤
O
¤
O
í
M
}
I
í
M
Southwest
Weld
Â
K
Boulder
Í
M
¤
O
k
M
Í
M
}
I
Í
M
r
^
b
!
q
^
p
M
Gilpin
¼ Broomfield
O
Â
K
ÿ
M
Adams
Ê
M
`
!
¹
O
ò
M
a
!
a
!
s
I
Clear Creek
s
I
Denver
a
!
Ê
M
`
!
`
M
Arapahoe
²
I
k
M
§
I
²
I
Western DRCOG Region
k
M
q
^
÷
Q
h
M
Jefferson
Eastern DRCOG Region
§
I
j
M
`
!
Douglas
a
!
Planned Interchange Project
Lanes
2-3
Planned Roadway Project
4-5
Regional Roadway System
6-7
County Boundaries
8+
DRCOG Boundary
SOURCE DATA: DRCOG, Esri
Basemap; SR 6428 (see full source
information and disclaimer in appendix)
±
0
5
Miles
Explore funding and projects 143
Map 3.3: Fiscally constrained managed lanes network
}
I
Â
K
M
ú
`
!
¤
O
¤
O
í
M
}
I
í
M
Southwest
Weld
Â
K
Boulder
Í
M
¤
O
Í
M
}
I
Í
M
r
^
b
!
q
^
Broomfield
¼
O
p
M
Gilpin
Â
K
ÿ
M
Adams
Ê
M
`
!
¹
O
ò
M
a
!
a
!
s
I
Clear Creek
s
I
a
!
Ê
M
Denver
`
!
`
M
Arapahoe
²
I
k
M
§
I
k
M
q
^
÷
Q
²
I
Jefferson
h
M
§
I
j
M
Douglas
Managed Lanes
County Boundaries
Arterial High Occupancy Vehicle
DRCOG Boundary
Major Roads
144
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
`
!
SOURCE DATA: DRCOG, Esri
Basemap; SR 6428 (see full source
information and disclaimer in appendix)
±
0
5
Miles
Map 3.4: Fiscally constrained rapid transit network
Boulder Downtown
!
(
!
!
}
I
Â
K
!
!
`
!
¤
O
!
(
¤
O
í
M
}
I
!
(
Boulder
!
(
!
!
Í
M
!
!
¤
O
!
(
}
I
Í
M
r
^
q
^
!
(
Gilpin
!
(
¼ Broomfield
O
!
(
!
(
ÿ
M
s
I
!
(
Clear Creek
`
M
Jefferson
²
I
b
!
!
(
!
(
Â
K
!
(
ò
M
a
!
}
I
Í
M
!
(
!
(
p
M
!
(
í
M
Southwest
 Weld
K
`
!
!
(
!
(
!
(
Adams
Ê
M
!
!
!
(
(
¹ !
O
!
(
(
(!
( !
!
( !
!
(
!
(
!
(
(
!
(!
!
!
( !
(
( !
(
!
(
!
!
!
!
!
!!
!!
!
!
a ! ! !!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!!
!
!
!
!
!!
(!!!
!
( !!
!!
(!!
!
(
(
!
!
!
Ê
M
!
s
I
!
(
!
(
Denver
!
(
!
(
!
(!
!!
!
!
`( !
(
!
( !
!
(
!
(
!
(
!
(
!
( !
²
I
!
(
!
!
(
k !
M
(
!
(
!
( M
§
I
k
!
(
!
(
q
^
÷
Q
!
(
!
(
!!
!
!
!
(
a
!
Arapahoe
h
M
§
I
`
!
Douglas
Denver Downtown
!
(
!
!
Existing
New
!
(
!
(
!
!
!
!
!
!
Rapid Transit Station with Parking
!
!
Rapid Transit Station without Parking
Rapid Transit Rail
Golden/Mines Autonomous Circulator
Transit Planning Corridors
County Boundaries
Bus Rapid Transit or Busway
DRCOG Boundary
Major Roads
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! !
!
!
! !
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
(
!
!
SOURCE DATA: DRCOG, Esri
Basemap; SR 6428 (see full source
information and disclaimer in appendix)
±
0
5
Miles
Explore funding and projects 145
Other modes, services and facilities
The fiscally constrained 2050 RTP also includes
projects, programs and services that address broad
areas of need. Examples include local bus service,
bridges, system operations, preservation and
maintenance, local streets, safety and debt service.
Specific projects are developed by the sponsoring
agencies when they apply for DRCOG-directed funding
through the TIP.
Local agencies like cities and counties develop an array of projects as part of the TIP process that may not be explicitly listed in this
chapter, but which help advance the priorities, themes and programs outlined. Photo credit: Chris Foster (photo contest winner).
146
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Vision (unfunded) projects
The multimodal system that represents the region’s
desired state by 2050 is made up of the projects in the
fiscally constrained 2050 RTP (outlined above) and
vision projects. Vision projects are projects which are
needed and desired by CDOT, RTD, and local agencies
within the region, but are unfunded at this time.
The vision projects include the following:
• The “Policy framework and desired outcomes” (see
page 84) that defined the vision and needs for the
2050 planning process.
• The unfunded candidate projects (primarily roadway
projects) that were not selected for the fiscally
constrained 2050 RTP.
• The unfunded components of RTD’s FasTracks system
not included in the fiscally constrained 2050 RTP.
• The unfunded candidate bus rapid transit corridors
from RTD’s Regional Bus Rapid Transit Feasibility
Study not included in the fiscally constrained 2050
RTP.
• Ongoing planning and project development associated
with the three potential alignments for a future Front
Range passenger rail system.
• Potential intercity rail along the I-70 mountain corridor
with two potential alignments within the Denver region.
• Map 3.5 (roadways) and Map 3.6 (rapid transit
projects) depict both vision and fiscally constrained
projects.
Explore funding and projects 147
Map 3.5: Vision and fiscally constrained roadway network
}
I
Â
K
M
ú
`
!
¤
O
¤
O
í
M
}
I
í
M
Southwest
Weld
Â
K
Boulder
Í
M
¤
O
Í
M
}
I
Í
M
r
^
Broomfield
b
!
q
^
¼
O
p
M
Gilpin
Â
K
ÿ
M
Adams
Ê
M
`
!
¹
O
ò
M
a
!
a
!
s
I
Clear Creek
a
!
Ê
M
s
I
Denver
`
!
`
M
Arapahoe
²
I
k
M
§
I
²
I
k
M
q
^
÷
Q
Jefferson
h
M
¹
O
Central Denver
§
I
j
M
Douglas
Ê
M
`
!
`
!
Vision/Unfunded Multimodal Roadway Corridor Projects
Fiscally Constrained Multimodal Roadway Corridor Projects
Regional Roadway System
County Boundaries
DRCOG Boundary
148
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
SOURCE DATA: DRCOG, Esri
Basemap; SR 6428 (see full source
information and disclaimer in appendix)
±
0
5
Miles
Map 3.6: Vision and fiscally constrained rapid transit network
}
I
Â
K
M
ú
`
!
¤
O
¤
O
í
M
}
I
í
M
Southwest
Weld
Â
K
Boulder
Í
M
¤
O
Í
M
}
I
Í
M
r
^
b
!
q
^
¼ Broomfield
O
p
M
Gilpin
Â
K
ÿ
M
Adams
Ê
M
`
!
¹
O
ò
M
a
!
a
!
s
I
Clear Creek
s
I
a
!
Ê
M
Denver
`
!
`
M
Arapahoe
²
I
k
M
Jefferson
²
I
§
I
k
M
q
^
÷
Q
h
M
§
I
j
M
`
!
Douglas
Front Range Rail Alternative Alignments
Fiscally Constrained Rapid Transit System
Potential Additional Bus Rapid Transit and Busway
Major Roads
Conceptual Preservation Corridors
County Boundaries
Remaining FasTracks Components
DRCOG Boundary
I-70 Mountain Corridor
High Speed Transit Alternative Alignments
SOURCE DATA: DRCOG, Esri
Basemap; SR 6428 (see full source
information and disclaimer in appendix)
±
0
5
Miles
Explore funding and projects 149
Amending the 2050 RTP
Changing needs and conditions within the region
For more information on the revision procedures, see
sometimes make it necessary for DRCOG to amend the
Appendix I.
2050 RTP. DRCOG follows an established process with
minimum thresholds for amending the 2050 RTP outside
2022 amendments
of the four-year update cycle.
Amendment procedures
The 2050 RTP was amended in 2022 to address
the requirements of CDOT’s Greenhouse Gas
Transportation Planning Standard (known as the
The amendment procedures ensure that prioritized projects
greenhouse gas rule). Appendix T, the Greenhouse Gas
continue toward implementation. Depending on the level
Transportation Report, documents the changes made to
of air quality impacts and scope of changes needed, the
the 2050 RTP, as well as other documentation required
following thresholds apply for making an amendment:
by the greenhouse gas rule.
• Level 1 – Administrative Modification: A minor
change to a project with regionally significant air
quality impacts that does not require public review
or comment, redetermination of fiscal constraint
or redetermination of transportation air quality
conformity.
• Level 2 – Minor Amendment: A major change
to the total estimated project cost of a project
with regionally significant air quality impacts
that requires an abbreviated public review and
comment period and redetermination of fiscal
constraint. Redetermination of transportation air
quality conformity is not required.
• Level 3 – Major Amendment: A major change to a
project with regionally significant air quality impacts
that requires a full public review and comment
period, redetermination of fiscal constraint and
redetermination of transportation air quality conformity.
150
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Explore funding and projects 151
4
Local bicyclists organized Denver Solidarity Rides throughout summer 2020 to raise awareness of historic injustices faced by Black
people, Indigenous people and people of color. Nearly 100 bicyclists rode past Union Station on July 31, 2020. Photo credit: Jack Todd
(photo contest finalist).
Chapter 4: Envision the outcomes
Envision the outcomes
The 2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
This chapter describes the various metrics and how the
will guide investment to improve safety, mobility, equity,
anticipated outcomes of the 2050 RTP are measured
environment and quality of life for the residents of the
against them. It then illustrates how the outcomes
Denver region. Through the implementation of the
support DRCOG’s efforts to address the region’s six
fiscally constrained project and program investment
shared multimodal transportation planning priorities,
priorities described in Chapter 3, the 2050 RTP will
recognizing some of the challenges the region will face
influence many regional outcomes. DRCOG measures
in realizing them.
and evaluates these outcomes in several ways:
• 2050 RTP transportation performance measures.
• DRCOG regional transportation and mobility
measures.
• Federal performance-based planning framework.
• Environmental justice and equity priorities.
• Environmental mitigation measures.
Bicyclists ride on a bridge over the South Platte River near Ball Arena in Denver.
Area residents take pride in its extensive network of regional shared-use paths.
Envision the outcomes 153
2050 RTP performance measures
Metro Vision performance measures
The 2050 RTP helps DRCOG and its partners
Other Metro Vision performance measures likely to be
implement the Metro Vision plan by identifying specific
affected by the investments identified in the 2050 RTP
improvements to the transportation system and its
include:
operations. The Metro Vision plan establishes a series
of performance measures to help track progress of
these and other efforts based on:
• Surface transportation-related greenhouse gas
emissions per capita.
• Relevance to Metro Vision outcomes and
objectives.
• Share of the region’s housing and employment in
high-risk areas.
• Availability of regularly updated and reliable data
sources.
• Share of the region’s housing and employment
near rapid transit stations or high-frequency transit
• Use of measurable, quantitative information, rather
than anecdotal insights.
stops.
For each performance measure, Metro Vision includes:
While the investments in the 2050 RTP will likely affect
all 16 Metro Vision performance measures, they will
1) A baseline that indicates the region’s current status
for that measure.
most directly and significantly affect the performance
measures under the theme “A Connected Multimodal
Region,” which include:
outcome for that measure. The 2050 RTP includes
• Non-single-occupant vehicle mode share to work.
• Daily vehicle miles traveled per capita.
• Average travel time variation
forecasts of travel and mobility in 2050 that can help
assess how the plan’s investments help address the
Metro Vision targets. Although the plan’s forecasts
can’t assess progress on all Metro Vision targets,
this chapter includes an analysis based on available
(peak vs. off-peak).
• Daily person delay per capita.
• Number of traffic fatalities.
154
2) A 2040 target that establishes the desired future
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
forecast data. The assessment indicates the 2050
RTP makes progress toward addressing Metro
Vision’s targets, and also highlights the need to
amend the Metro Vision plan.
Metro Vision measure amendments
The Metro Vision approach to performance
DRCOG will initiate target or measure amendments
management is dynamic and flexible. Plan amendments
addressing safety and Regional Vision Zero, congestion
incorporate new targets or methods for measuring
and mobility, active transportation, transit quality,
success as new information becomes available or
regional bicycle network completion and quality, and
circumstances change. Such amendments require
greenhouse gas emissions. Details of each proposed
additional public and stakeholder input, as well as a
Metro Vision amendment are discussed beginning on
majority affirmative vote by the DRCOG Board.
page 144 in this chapter.
With the completion of the 2050 RTP, DRCOG will
initiate a Metro Vision amendment process including:
• The identification and consideration of new targets
for 2050 or other years as needed.
• The consideration of new or alternative measures
that more closely reflect regional priorities included
in the 2050 RTP.
Envision the outcomes 155
Regional transportation and mobility measures
Changes in regionwide travel measures between 2020
performance. The region’s population and employment
and 2050 are estimated using outputs from the Denver
growth, the distribution of that growth and the provision
Regional Council of Governments Focus transportation
of transportation facilities and services will affect
model. The Focus model uses forecast population
future travel patterns. The results from the Focus
and employment from DRCOG’s UrbanSim model,
transportation model are included in Appendix E.
the Colorado State Demography Office and other
input variables to forecast transportation trends and
Every community in the Denver region is distinct. Through DRCOG, local governments work together to
enhance each place’s uniqueness, such as downtown Parker (below), for the benefit of the entire region.
156
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Federal transportation performance
management measures
Safety Performance Targets:
The safety performance targets support the
The Federal Highway Administration and the Federal
Highway Safety Improvement Program to achieve
Transit Administration established guidance for
a significant reduction in traffic fatalities and
implementation of federal performance-based planning
serious injuries on all public roads, including
and programming requirements. Each requirement
non-state-owned public roads and roads on tribal
pertains to a particular area of transportation, and
lands.
lays out the goals, measures and data the Colorado
Department of Transportation, DRCOG and the
Infrastructure Condition Targets:
Regional Transportation District use in setting targets.
The National Highway Performance Program
CDOT, RTD, and DRCOG are required to demonstrate
provides support for the condition and
how investments contribute to achieving targets.
performance of the National Highway System, for
the construction of new facilities, and to ensure
that investments of federal-aid funds in highway
construction are directed to support progress
toward the achievement of performance targets
established in a state’s asset management plan
for the national highway system.
System Performance Targets:
The system performance targets assess the
performance of the interstate and non-interstate
National Highway System for the purpose of
carrying out the National Highway Performance
Program; assess freight movement on the
Interstate System; and assess traffic congestion
and on-road mobile source emissions for the
purpose of carrying out the Congestion Mitigation
and Air Quality Improvement Program.
(continued …)
Envision the outcomes 157
(… continued)
Transit Asset Management:
Transit asset management develops a framework
DRCOG will continue to adopt, update and evaluate
for transit agencies to monitor and manage public
performance targets. As DRCOG member governments
transportation assets, improve safety and increase
and partners implement the projects and programs
reliability and performance to keep their systems
within the 2050 RTP, they will continue to prioritize
operating smoothly and efficiently.
investments that facilitate progress toward achieving
Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan:
performance measure targets. DRCOG’s planning
process will also continue to integrate CDOT’s and
The latest federal performance measures to come
RTD’s performance measure goals, objectives and
into effect and require DRCOG action are the targets
plans.
set for transit safety. Certain operators of public
transportation systems that receive federal Section
DRCOG has been coordinating its performance-based
5307 funds under the Federal Transit Administration’s
planning efforts with regional, state and federal partners
Urbanized Area Formula Grants are required to
for many years. DRCOG has developed, adopted and
develop safety plans. It brings management and labor
reported on the targets as they became effective.
together to better control risk, detect and correct
Targets are intended to be realistic and achievable, but
safety problems earlier, share and analyze safety data
are near-term and rely on current system performance.
more effectively, and measure safety performance
As such, DRCOG has used the long-range vision
more precisely.
established in Metro Vision and specific modal plans to
set the federal targets, ensuring the integration of the
The System Performance Report for the 2050 RTP
federal targets into DRCOG’s long-range vision.
is included in Appendix G. It includes an evaluation
of the transportation system and a description of
The targets have been incorporated into the 2050 RTP
progress toward achieving the federal targets.
and the Transportation Improvement Program. Go to
Appendix G for full details about federal performance
areas, measures and targets.
158
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
2050 RTP and the six focus areas
The following pages illustrate how the outcomes of the
• $220 million toward freight projects and programs
2050 RTP support the region’s six shared multimodal
to increase freight reliability in the region and move
transportation planning priorities.
goods more efficiently.
The 2050 RTP includes specific project and program
The following section uses 2050 travel and mobility
investments to address the federal targets and
forecasts from the 2050 RTP, Metro Vision targets,
DRCOG’s Metro Vision targets. Examples include:
federal targets and plan investment benefits to
• $1.2 billion toward implementing a regional bus
present an integrated summary of the plan’s
outcomes, organized by its six focus areas: safety,
rapid transit system that will increase non-single-
air quality, regional transit, multimodal mobility, active
occupant vehicle travel and improve state of good
transportation and freight.
repair.
• $465 million toward arterial safety and Regional
Vision Zero projects and programs to reduce traffic
fatalities.
Denver Union Station is the region’s primary transit hub, connecting
multiple travel options. Photo credit: RTD
Envision the outcomes 159
Safety
The 2050 RTP’s investments to change the current safety conditions
based on the measures listed above are highlighted here.
Safety in the Denver region is measured through:
• Metro Vision plan performance measures.
• Federal Transportation Performance Management measures.
DRCOG member governments and stakeholders have demonstrated
their commitment to safety as a priority by adopting Taking Action
12
safety projects in the
2050 RTP
$465
million
on Regional Vision Zero. The plan sets out action initiatives, an
implementation timeline and measures that will help DRCOG track
regional progress toward safety improvements.
Proposed Metro Vision plan amendment
in 2050 RTP projects
dedicated to safety
improvements
When DRCOG adopted Taking
Action on Regional Vision
Zero in 2020, it committed to
$152
a target of zero fatalities and
serious injuries. Based on
million
set aside for
other safety
improvements
0
goal for Vision Zero
traffic fatalities
Source: 2050 RTP, Taking Action on
Regional Vision Zero (2020, DRCOG) and
DRCOG calculations
160
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
technical analysis and guidance
from the Board of Directors in 2020, DRCOG will consider amending
the Metro Vision plan to include a 2040 target for zero fatalities and a
2045 target for zero serious injuries.
Metro Vision 2050 RTP performance measures
Number of traffic fatalities
Regional Vision Zero target
2014 baseline
2018 observation
Metro Vision target under 100 *
0
100
150
300
Behind schedule
Source: Metro Vision Performance Measures Status Report, DRCOG, metrovision.drcog.org.
*Metro Vision safety target anticipated to be amended to zero after adoption of the 2050 RTP.
Federal Transportation Performance Management measures
The System Performance Report in Appendix G contains more information including progress in achieving the federal targets.
The following targets are draft pending DRCOG Board of Directors action Feb. 17, 2021.
Five-year rolling average
Baseline 2015-2019
Targets 2017-2021
Actuals 2017-2021
Number of fatalities
258
255
To be determined
Rate of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled
0.93
0.89
To be determined
Number of serious injuries
1772
1,733
To be determined
Rate of serious injuries per 100 million vehicle miles traveled
6.37
6.02
To be determined
Number of nonmotorized fatalities and serious injuries
376
372
To be determined
Target preventable
accident rate per
100,000 miles
<1.0
Bus
<1.0
Light rail
2021 public transit agency safety plan targets (compared to 2020 baseline)
0
Fatalities in RTD operating systems; bus, light rail and commuter rail
Reduction in bus
preventable accidents
10%
Reduction of slip-and-fall injuries
25%
Reduction in light rail
preventable accidents
10%
Reduction of injuries from strains
25%
Reduction in commuter
rail accidents
10%
Reduction of lost time
employee injuries
25%
Reduction of on-the-job injuries
15%
To current levels of performance
for system reliability without decline
Measure
in reliability or increases in costs
and hold
as described in the current Transit
Asset Management Plan.
Envision the outcomes 161
Air quality
The 2050 RTP’s investments to change the current air quality conditions
are based on these highlighted measures.
Air quality in the Denver region is measured through:
• Metro Vision plan performance measures.
• Federal Transportation Performance Management measures.
• DRCOG regional travel model mobility measures.
• Federal Clean Air Act and air quality conformity requirements (see
Appendix S for more information)
• State Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction rule (see Appendix T
for more information).
$3 billion
in transit, active
transportation and
freight projects to
reduce emissions
34%
reduced per capita
greenhouse gas
emissions with the
2050 RTP by 2050
compared to
2020 levels
Sources: DRCOG calculation and
2050 RTP
Federal Transportation Performance Management measures
The System Performance Report in Appendix G contains more information
including progress in achieving the Board-adopted federal targets.
Total amount of
emissions reduced
through projects
Baseline
Two-year
targets
Four-year
targets
Total emissions reductions of volatile
organic compounds, kilogram/day
89
86
105
Total emissions reductions
of particulate matter with a diameter
of 10 microns or less, kilogram/day
41
31
152
1,683
1,152
1,426
391
86
105
Total emissions reductions of
carbon monoxide, kilogram/day
Total emissions reductions of
nitrogen oxides, kilogram/day
Better air quality improves
the lives of residents and
visitors, keeping them
healthy and active in the
region’s communities.
Healthy air makes it more
possible and enjoyable
for residents and visitors
to explore the region’s
natural amenities, such as
Barr Lake State Park near
Brighton in Adams County.
162
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Metro Vision 2050 RTP performance measures
Surface transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions per capita
2050
estimate
2015 observation
2010 baseline
Metro Vision target under 10 pounds
10 pounds
15 pounds
30 pounds
Behind schedule
Source: Metro Vision Performance Measures Status Report, DRCOG, metrovision.drcog.org
Proposed Metro Vision plan amendment
In 2019, the Colorado General Assembly passed House
Greenhouse Gas Planning Standard (known as the
Bill 19-1261: Climate Action Plan to Reduce Pollution.
greenhouse gas rule). DRCOG amended the 2050 RTP
HB19-1261 sets a target of reducing greenhouse gas
in 2022 to address the greenhouse gas rule. Similarly,
emissions by 90% from 2005 levels by 2050. Since
DRCOG will also amend Metro Vision’s greenhouse
original adoption of the 2050 RTP in April 2021, the
gas emissions reduction target based on HB19-1261,
Colorado Transportation Commission adopted the
SB21-260 and the Greenhouse Gas Planning Standard.
Envision the outcomes 163
Regional transit
The 2050 RTP’s investments to change the current regional transit
conditions are based on these highlighted measures.
Regional transit in the Denver region is measured through:
• Metro Vision plan performance measures.
• Federal Transportation Performance Management measures.
• DRCOG regional travel model mobility measures.
10
new bus rapid transit corridors
identified in the 2050 RTP result in:
146 miles
Federal Transportation Performance Management measures
The System Performance Report in Appendix G contains more information
including progress in achieving the Board-adopted federal targets. The targets
below reflect the useful life and condition of vehicles, track and facilities.
of new bus rapid transit projects
$2.7 billion
invested in 20 transit projects
$700 million
to implement rail service
to Longmont
10%
higher transit ridership compared to
future trend without the 2050 RTP
Rolling stock
Baseline
number
Baseline
percent
Target
number
Target
percent
Articulated bus
116
0.0%
116
0.0%
Over-the-road bus
174
0.0%
174
0.0%
Bus
771
24.0%
768
25.1%
Cutaway bus
372
0.0%
410
0.0%
Light rail vehicle
201
0.0%
201
0.0%
Baseline
number
Baseline
percent
Target
number
Target
percent
Automobile
48
43.8%
48
79.2%
Truck and other rubber tire
387
13.2%
387
18.1%
4
0.0%
4
0.0%
Baseline
total track
Baseline
percent
Target
total track
Target
percent
Light rail
119.5
2.0%
119.5
2.0%
Commuter rail: N Line
13.2
0.0%
13.2
2.0%
Baseline
number
Baseline
percent
Target
number
Target
percent
Stations and parking
110
10.9%
106
11.3%
Maintenance and administration
13
0.0%
13
0.0%
(useful life benchmark)
Equipment
374,000
transit trips are forecast in 2050,
a 63% increase from 229,000 in
2020
60%
of people in 2050 are forecast
to have good access to jobs via
public transit
(useful life benchmark)
Steel wheel vehicles
Infrastructure
78%
of people in low-income and
minority areas in 2050 are
forecast to have good access to
jobs via public transit
Sources: DRCOG existing plus committed
modeling results, 2050 RTP and DRCOG
GIS calculation
(with performance
restrictions)
Facilities
(less than 3.0 on the
TERM Scale)
164
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
DRCOG member governments and stakeholders have
the transportation needs of the region’s older adults and
demonstrated their commitment to regional transit as
individuals with disabilities, and emphasizes the region’s
a priority through the 2050 Coordinated Transit Plan.
integrated approach to coordinating an array of fixed
The 2050 RTP Coordinated Transit Plan addresses
route and human service transit services.
federal requirements, identifies strategies to address
Proposed Metro Vision
plan amendment
Metro Vision 2050 RTP performance measures
Share of region’s housing near rapid
transit stations or high-frequency transit stops
Identify a new Metro Vision
measure to address the
quality of transit service,
2010 baseline
particularly for vulnerable
2018 observation
populations. For the region’s
Metro Vision target over 20%
On track
share of total
housing units
15%
20%
where they need, or want, to
go. As of early 2021, RTD is
engaged in Reimagine RTD,
transit stations or high-frequency transit stops
a comprehensive planning
effort to identify strategies to
2010 baseline
better connect people to the
2018 observation
places they want and need
Metro Vision target over 45%
On track
share of total
employment
45%
to go. The outcomes of the
Reimagine RTD process will
inform DRCOG’s work on a
transit quality measure for
Source: Metro Vision Performance Measures Status Report,” DRCOG, metrovision.drcog.org
DRCOG regional travel
model mobility measures
frequent transit is only
valuable when it takes them
Share of region’s employment near rapid
35%
residents and visitors,
Metro Vision.
Total transit
trips
Share of total population with
good transit-job accessibility
(100,000+ jobs within a
45-minute transit trip)
Share of total population in low-income
or minority areas with good transit-job
accessibility (100,000+ jobs within a
45-minute transit trip)
Does DRCOG want this measure
to increase or decrease?
Increase
Increase
Increase
What are the expected outcomes
with the 2050 RTP?
Increase by
63%
Increase by
8%
Increase by
5%
Envision the outcomes 165
Multimodal mobility
The 2050 RTP’s investments to change the current mulimodal
mobility conditions are based on these highlighted measures.
Multimodal mobility in the Denver region is measured through:
• Metro Vision plan performance measures.
• Federal Transportation Performance Management measures.
• DRCOG regional travel model mobility measures.
68
multimodal
projects and
programs
The System Performance Report in Appendix G contains more information
including progress in achieving the Board-adopted federal targets.
Two-year
targets
Four-year
targets
Interstate pavement in good condition
45%
40%
invested in the 68
multimodal projects
and programs
Interstate pavement in bad condition
0%
5%
Non-interstate National Highway System
pavement in good condition
49%
40%
25%
Non-interstate National Highway System
pavement in bad condition
1%
5%
$6.6 billion
reduction in
congested vehicle
travel compared
to the future trend
without the 2050
RTP
12,700
fewer driver trips
per day with
the 2050 RTP
compared to
the future trend
without the 2050
RTP
Sources: DRCOG existing plus committed
modeling results and 2050 RTP
166
Federal Transportation Performance Management measures
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Pavement condition
Bridge condition
Two-year targets Four-year targets
National Highway System bridges in
good condition
49%
44%
National Highway System bridges in
bad condition
4%
4%
Traffic congestion
reduction
Percent of non-single-occupancy
vehicle travel
Annual hours of peak-hour
excessive delay per capita
Baseline
Two-year
targets
Four-year
targets
24%
24%
25%
48
52
54
Baseline
Four-year targets
Reliable person-miles traveled on
interstates
82%
81%
Reliable person-miles traveled on the
non-interstate National Highway System
64%
64%
Travel time reliability
Metro Vision 2050 RTP performance measures
Percent of commuters who don’t drive alone to work
2014 baseline
Proposed Metro Vision
plan amendment
2018 observation
Metro Vision target over 35%
Behind schedule
25%
35%
The travel time variation
congestion metric
demonstrates the difference
in the amount of time it takes
Vehicle miles traveled per person per day
2050 estimate
and non-rush hours. DRCOG
2010 baseline
intends to expand the travel
2018 observation
time variation congestion
Metro Vision target under 22.6 miles
Behind schedule
to travel during rush hours
27.4 miles 25 miles
22.6 miles
metric to better measure the
duration, extent and severity
of congestion. The target
for travel time variation will
Average travel time variation (peak vs. off-peak)
How much longer it takes to
travel during rush hours
2050 estimate
2014 baseline
2018 observation
Metro Vision target under 1.30
Behind schedule
1.34
1.30
not change, rather, it will be
expressed as a percentage
of how much longer it takes
to travel during peak periods.
DRCOG will also consider
adding a new measure to
1.22
track the share of the region’s
roadway network on which
severe congestion extends
Daily person delay
2050 estimate
2017 baseline
well beyond peak periods.
2018 observation
Metro Vision target under 9 minutes
Behind schedule
14 minutes 9 minutes 6 minutes
Source: Metro Vision Performance Measures Status Report, DRCOG, metrovision.drcog.org
Envision the outcomes 167
Active transportation
The 2050 RTP’s investments to change the current active transportation
conditions are based on these highlighted measures.
Active transportation in the Denver region
is measured through:
• DRCOG regional travel model mobility measures.
Proposed Metro Vision plan amendment
154 miles
New Metro Vision measures to address the quality and quantity of
multiuse facilities in the region. The new measures will align with
of new regional
shared-use paths
with the 2050 RTP
DRCOG’s Active Transportation Plan related to active transportation
corridors and high-comfort facilities.
$180 million
in 2050 RTP projects
specifically dedicated to
active transportation
DRCOG regional travel model mobility measures
$32 million
Does DRCOG want this measure to
increase or decrease?
set aside for other
bicycle and pedestrian
improvements
Regional
What are the expected outcomes
with the 2050 RTP?
Source: DRCOG regional travel model
complete streets toolkit
to help build out active
transportation network
Sources: DRCOG 2050 RTP and
DRCOG GIS data
168
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Total bicycle
trips
Total pedestrian
trips
Increase
Increase
Increase by
32%
Increase by
44%
Freight
The 2050 RTP’s investments to change the current freight conditions
are based on these highlighted measures.
Freight in the Denver region is measured through:
• Federal Transportation Performance Management measures
DRCOG member governments and stakeholders have demonstrated
their commitment to regional freight as a priority through the Regional
Multimodal Freight Plan. The freight plan provides a strategic view of
significant freight issues, challenges and opportunities that can be
addressed by communities within the region.
4
Federal Transportation Performance Management measures
freight projects and
programs in the 2050
RTP plan, plus:
The System Performance Report in Appendix G contains more information
including progress in achieving the Board-adopted federal targets.
$220 million
Baseline
Four-year
targets
Interstate pavement in good condition
45%
40%
Interstate pavement in bad condition
0%
5%
Non-interstate National Highway System pavement
in good condition
49%
40%
Non-interstate National Highway System
pavement in bad condition
1%
5%
Pavement condition
Bridge condition
Two-year targets Four-year targets
National Highway System bridges in
good condition
49%
44%
National Highway System bridges in
bad condition
4%
4%
Baseline
Four-year targets
1.45
1.50
Freight reliability
Truck travel time reliability index
in 2050 RTP projects
specifically dedicated
to freight
$76 million
set aside for other freight
improvements
20%
fewer vehicle hours of
delay forecast with the
2050 RTP compared to
future trend without the
2050 RTP
Sources: DRCOG 2050 RTP
and DRCOG calculation
Envision the outcomes 169
Environmental justice
and equity priorities
DRCOG recognizes the organization’s role in
memorandum reinforced the requirements of Title VI
building and maintaining an equitable region where
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which address federal
all residents and communities can thrive. DRCOG
attention to environmental and human health conditions
affirms its commitment to ensure the Denver region
in minority and low-income communities.
remains a diverse network of vibrant, connected,
lifelong communities. DRCOG launched the Civic
The U.S. Department of Transportation order on
Advisory Group and Youth Advisory Panel as part of
environmental justice, issued to comply with Executive
the 2050 RTP to be more inclusive in outreach and
Order 12898, defines a member of a minority population
engagement during the planning process. DRCOG is
as a person who is:
also committed to the 2050 RTP respecting the issues
of equity in its project and program investment priorities.
Transportation helps address social equity issues, and
transportation equity is one of the foundational themes
of the 2050 planning process and the 2050 RTP. The
• Black (having origins in any of the black racial
groups of Africa).
• Hispanic (of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban,
2050 RTP’s vision for transportation connects people
Central or South American, or other Spanish
of all ages, incomes and abilities to housing, jobs,
culture or origin, regardless of race).
health care, recreation, and other aspects of daily life.
The 2050 RTP prioritizes investments to make travel
• Asian American (having origins in any of the
safer, to provide more travel modes and options, and
original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia,
to connect major corridors and destinations across the
the Indian subcontinent or the Pacific Islands).
region.
• American Indian and Alaskan Native (having
Accordingly, DRCOG considered the 2050 RTP’s
origins in any of the original people of North
potential benefits to, and impacts on, minority and low-
America and who maintains cultural identification
income populations within the Denver region, especially
through tribal affiliation or community recognition).
compared to the broader population. Guidance for
evaluating these benefits and impacts is derived from
Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address
Environmental Justice in Minority and Low-Income
Populations. The executive order and accompanying
170
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Identifying minority and low-income populations
Environmental justice refers to the fair treatment
and meaningful involvement of all people,
regardless of race, ethnicity, income, national
The first step in the environmental justice evaluation
origin or educational level with respect to the
process for the 2050 RTP was to identify geographic
development, implementation and enforcement
concentrations of minority and low-income populations
of environmental laws, regulations and policies.
within the region. Table 4.1 is a comparison between
For the purpose of this strategy, fair treatment
the percentages of the minority and low-income
means that no population, due to policy or
populations in the Denver region area and Colorado.
economic disempowerment, is forced to bear
The geographic unit for this analysis is known as
a disproportionate burden of the negative
a transportation analysis zone, which comes from
human health and environmental impacts,
DRCOG’s travel model tool.
including social and economic effects, resulting
from transportation decisions, programs and
policies made, implemented and enforced at the
federal, state, local or tribal level. Source: U.S.
Department of Transportation
Table 4.1: 2020 environmental justice populations in the Denver region and state
Vulnerable population
Denver region
Colorado
Minority population
36%
33%
Low-income population
13%
6%
2020 data derived from Esri ArcGIS GeoEnrichment Service
Envision the outcomes 171
The transportation analysis zones identified with high
percentage of 35.9%. It also shows the traffic analysis
concentrations of minority individuals or low-income
zones for which the percentage of households with
households compared to the regional average make
incomes at or below the U.S. Department of Health and
up the environmental justice areas of the region. Map
Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for
4.1 on page 183 shows the traffic analysis zones
Planning and Evaluation 2020 poverty guidelines for
where, based on 2020 Esri ArcGIS GeoEnrichment
a family of four ($26,200) is at or above the regional
Service Data shown in Appendix D, the percent of
average of 12.5%.
minority populations is at or above the regional minority
Ensuring that people of all races, ethnicities, incomes and abilities can participate in the region’s vibrant, connected,
lifelong communities and get to the places they need to go is a cornerstone of the 2050 RTP’s commitment to equity.
172
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Potential effects on travel time to
destinations for vulnerable populations
DRCOG used population and travel demand forecasting
It is not possible to identify one destination type specific
tools to determine whether vulnerable populations
to environmental justice populations. DRCOG examined
experience more hardship than the general population
the following destinations and their associated travel
related to time spent traveling to jobs, essential services
times in 2020 and 2050:
and entertainment and education opportunities. The
methodology staff used is described in Appendix
• Percent of households close to 100,000 or more
D. The most current DRCOG travel model provides
job opportunities (20-minute automobile trip,
travel time estimates for 2020 and a horizon year of
40-minute transit trip).
2050 based on the transportation network of fiscally
constrained projects in the 2050 RTP. Staff evaluated
how 2050 network travel times may change for lowincome and minority populations in relationship to
specific destinations based on the network of fiscally
constrained projects in the 2050 RTP.
• Percent of households close to a hospital
(20-minute automobile trip, 40-minute transit trip).
• Percent of households close to a college or trade
school (20-minute automobile trip, 40-minute
transit trip).
To create the population-based measures, DRCOG
needed to estimate low-income and minority
populations within each traffic analysis zone. However,
the DRCOG small-area forecast for 2050 only provides
total households by zone. DRCOG estimated future
• Percent of households close to a grocery store
(10-minute automobile trip, 20-minute transit trip).
• Percent of households close to the central
target household counts using current proportions. The
business district (20-minute automobile trip,
percent of minority and low-income households in each
40-minute transit trip).
zone was estimated for 2020 and 2050 by linking the
2050 forecast household counts to the estimated 2020
The figures on the following pages show the results of
proportions.
this analysis:
Envision the outcomes 173
As part of its analysis of how well the 2050 RTP serves people from minority communities and with
low incomes, DRCOG estimated how long it would take commuters to get to a high concentration
of job opportunities, such as within the Central Business District.
174
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
91%
91%
93%
89%
86%
87%
91%
83%
79%
81%
88%
78%
Percent of households close to job opportunities
Percent of households close
to job opportunities
80%
60%
40%
2020
20%
0%
percent within 20
minutes by auto of
100,000 or more job
opportunities (off-peak)
percent within 40
minutes by transit of
100,000 or more job
opportunities (peak)
percent within 40
minutes by transit of
100,000 or more job
opportunities (off-peak)
91%
92%
93%
87%
Low income
87%
88%
82%
74%
76%
86%
70%
92%
Minority
Entire region
percent within 20
minutes by auto of
100,000 or more job
opportunities (peak)
80%
60%
40%
2050
20%
Entire region
Minority
DRCOG conducted an evaluation that revealed several
findings:
• Drive times generally increased between 2020
Low income
0%
Source: Derived using the
DRCOG small-area forecast
and the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics Quarterly Census of
Employment and Wages.
• Minority populations generally have longer travel
times than low-income groups.
Overall, the travel times presented indicate the
and 2050, but by a smaller amount for vulnerable
decisions reflected in the 2050 RTP don’t negatively
population groups.
affect low-income and minority communities more
• A large share of the overall region has convenient
access to colleges, hospitals and grocery stores.
than others. The model demonstrates that a similar
percentage of all population groups have access to the
various destinations measured.
• Minority and low-income populations generally live
closer to the central business district.
Envision the outcomes 175
Percent of households close to locations - 2020 peak
Percent of households close to
key destinations (2020 peak)
93%
98%
89%
97%
83%
94%
Percent of households close
to colleges and trade schools
93%
95%
89%
94%
83%
91%
89%
87%
83%
81%
80%
78%
100%
Percent of households
close to a hospital
91%
Percent of households
close to job opportunities
60%
40%
20%
In
co
m
e
Lo
w
M
in
or
ity
re
gi
on
75%
83%
93%
96%
Percent of households close
to the central business district
66%
80%
88%
Percent within 40 minutes (transit)
94%
Percent within 20 minutes (auto)
82%
100%
91%
Percent of households
close to a grocery store*
En
tir
e
In
co
m
e
Lo
w
M
in
or
ity
En
tir
e
re
gi
on
In
co
m
e
Lo
w
M
in
or
ity
En
tir
e
re
gi
on
0%
60%
20%
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
In
co
m
e
Lo
w
M
in
or
ity
re
gi
on
In
co
m
e
Lo
w
En
tir
e
176
M
in
or
ity
0%
re
gi
on
*Grocery store proximity is for
10 minutes by auto and 20
minutes by transit.
19%
17%
30%
40%
En
tir
e
Source: 2050 RTP, Taking Action
on Regional Vision Zero (2020,
DRCOG) and DRCOG calculations.
Percent of households close to locations - 2050 peak
Percent of households close to
key destinations (2050 peak)
92%
96%
89%
95%
77%
87%
92%
93%
88%
Percent of households close
to colleges and trade schools
77%
88%
92%
87%
82%
Percent of households
close to a hospital
80%
70%
80%
76%
100%
88%
Percent of households
close to job opportunities
60%
40%
20%
In
co
m
e
Lo
w
M
in
or
ity
re
gi
on
En
tir
e
In
co
m
e
Lo
w
78%
83%
95%
92%
Percent within 20 minutes (auto)
Percent within 40 minutes (transit)
64%
80%
Percent of households close
to the central business district
77%
83%
100%
88%
93%
Percent of households
close to a grocery store*
M
in
or
ity
En
tir
e
re
gi
on
In
co
m
e
Lo
w
M
in
or
ity
En
tir
e
re
gi
on
0%
60%
20%
23%
16%
15%
40%
*Grocery store proximity is for
10 minutes by auto and 20
minutes by transit.
In
co
m
e
Lo
w
M
in
or
ity
re
gi
on
En
tir
e
In
co
m
e
Lo
w
M
in
or
ity
re
gi
on
0%
En
tir
e
Source: 2050 RTP, Taking Action
on Regional Vision Zero (2020,
DRCOG) and DRCOG calculations.
Envision the outcomes 177
Percent
householdsclose
closetotokey
locations - 2020 off-peak
Percent
ofofhouseholds
destinations (2020 off-peak)
80%
92%
87%
96%
98%
98%
Percent of households close
to colleges and trade schools
92%
98%
87%
98%
95%
91%
93%
86%
Percent of households
close to a hospital
80%
80%
79%
88%
100%
91%
Percent of households
close to job opportunities
60%
40%
20%
In
co
m
e
Lo
w
84%
92%
97%
Percent of households close
to the central business district
66%
74%
80%
80%
87%
92%
Percent within 20 minutes (auto)
Percent within 40 minutes (transit)
95%
Percent of households
close to a grocery store*
100%
M
in
or
ity
re
gi
on
En
tir
e
In
co
m
e
Lo
w
M
in
or
ity
re
gi
on
En
tir
e
In
co
m
e
Lo
w
M
in
or
ity
En
tir
e
re
gi
on
0%
40%
42%
36%
Source: 2050 RTP, Taking Action
on Regional Vision Zero (2020,
DRCOG) and DRCOG calculations.
52%
60%
20%
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
In
co
m
e
Lo
w
M
in
or
ity
re
gi
on
En
tir
e
In
co
m
e
Lo
w
En
tir
e
178
M
in
or
ity
0%
re
gi
on
*Grocery store proximity is for
10 minutes by auto and 20
minutes by transit.
Percent
householdsclose
closetotokey
locations - 2050 off-peak
Percent
ofofhouseholds
destinations (2050 off-peak)
91%
75%
87%
97%
98%
95%
91%
97%
87%
Percent of households close
to colleges and trade schools
75%
80%
97%
92%
91%
93%
87%
Percent of households
close to a hospital
74%
86%
100%
92%
Percent of households
close to job opportunities
60%
40%
20%
In
co
m
e
Lo
w
M
in
or
ity
re
gi
on
En
tir
e
83%
79%
Percent within 20 minutes (auto)
Percent within 40 minutes (transit)
64%
80%
In
co
m
e
Lo
w
En
tir
e
91%
96%
87%
Percent of households close
to the central business district
74%
87%
95%
Percent of households
close to a grocery store*
100%
M
in
or
ity
re
gi
on
In
co
m
e
Lo
w
En
tir
e
M
in
or
ity
re
gi
on
0%
35%
28%
40%
44%
60%
Source: 2050 RTP, Taking Action
on Regional Vision Zero (2020,
DRCOG) and DRCOG calculations.
20%
*Grocery store proximity is for
10 minutes by auto and 20
minutes by transit.
In
co
m
e
Lo
w
M
in
or
ity
re
gi
on
En
tir
e
In
co
m
e
Lo
w
M
in
or
ity
En
tir
e
re
gi
on
0%
Envision the outcomes 179
Older adults, people with disabilities and people with low income often struggle to find affordable and accessible transportation options.
180
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Travel characteristics of minority
and low-income populations
DRCOG conducted an evaluation of the work travel
• Minority populations are twice as likely to take
characteristics of the Denver region’s minority and lowincome populations based on census data, as shown in
the figures that follow.
transit or carpool to work.
• Driving alone to work increases as income levels
increase, but decreases at the highest income
DRCOG conducted an evaluation that revealed several
levels due to a correlation with teleworking rates.
findings:
• Driving alone is the most prevalent travel mode
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2015-2019
American Community Survey Five-Year Data, almost
for commuting to work by all races, ethnicities
70,000 households throughout the Denver region did
and income levels. More than 70% of the region’s
not have an automobile available, whether by choice
population, of all races, ethnicities and income
or circumstance. Travel options such as public transit,
levels, drive alone to work.
sidewalks and bicycle paths ensure that residents of
households without automobiles can travel to work,
Means
transportation
to work
by worker earnings
Minority
of transportation
to work
share of minority
and low-income
school or means
medical care.
Accordingly, the fiscally
• Aofgreater
populations take transit to work – about 5%
constrained 2050 RTP’s project and program investment
compared to other population and income groups.
strategies emphasize non-automobile modes.
$34,999 and under
$35,000 to $49,999
60%
$50,000 to $74,999
$75,000 or more
2%
2%
2%
3%
Drove alone
4%
2%
2%
2%
0%
5%
4%
4%
4%
20%
11%
8%
7%
5%
40%
Carpooled
Transit
Walked
Taxi, motorcycle,
bicycle or other
8%
6%
7%
13%
80%
71%
78%
78%
74%
Means of transportation
to work by worker earnings
Worked at
home
Source: Derived from American Community Survey 2015-2019 Five-Year Data, excluding the Weld County portion of the Denver region.
%
Envision the outcomes 181
Carpooled
Transit
Walked
Taxi, motorcycle,
bicycle or other
8%
6%
7%
13%
2%
2%
2%
3%
Drove alone
4%
2%
2%
2%
0%
5%
4%
4%
4%
20%
11%
8%
7%
5%
40%
Worked at
home
Source: Derived from American Community Survey 2015-2019 Five-Year Data, excluding the Weld County portion of the Denver region.
74%
80%
73%
Means of transportation to work
Minority
Total
60%
0%
Drove alone
Carpooled
Transit
Walked
Taxi, motorcycle,
bicycle or other
9%
5%
2%
2%
3%
2%
4%
6%
20%
8%
13%
40%
Worked at
home
Source: Derived from American Community Survey 2015-2019 Five-Year Data, excluding the Weld County portion of the Denver region.
Benefits of the 2050 RTP in
environmental justice communities
6
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
The 2050 RTP includes projects, services and other
projects are reasonably distributed equitably across
investments that will improve transportation for people
the region so that particular areas do not receive
living in environmental justice communities and
disproportionate impacts or benefits.
especially for those unable to use an automobile to
travel. The projects, services and other investments
As shown in Map 4.2, several regionally funded 2050
will also provide a system that offers people convenient
RTP projects will benefit residents in environmental
commutes to a greater number of job opportunities.
justice areas. Bus rapid transit, active transportation,
safety, and other 2050 RTP projects will increase
Map 4.1 shows the region’s environmental justice
travel options and mobility for environmental justice
areas, while Map 4.2 shows the regionally funded
communities. Other smaller-scale projects and services
2050 RTP projects in geographic relation to the
will be provided through future TIPs. Future roadway
environmental justice areas. Any project, regardless of
projects will include multimodal elements that will
project type or mode, can have potential construction
benefit nondrivers by providing walking and bicycling
and implementation impacts. Similarly, any project
facilities and transit facilities and service. Further, as
can potentially provide travel and mobility benefits.
discussed in Chapter 3, more than half of the 2050
Accordingly, the issue is not whether a particular project
RTP’s fiscally constrained regional system expenditures
type is inherently “good” or “bad,” but instead whether
will be for public transit and other non-roadway projects
the potential benefits and impacts of the 2050 RTP
and services.
182
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
}
I
Central
` Urban Area
!
b
!
¼
O
Map 4.1: Environmental
justice areas
ò
M
Denver
Ê
M
s
I
²
I
Boulder
¤
O
í
M
}
I
§
I
í
M
Southwest
Weld
Â
K
Í
M
}
I
`
!
b
!
Broomfield
¼
O
p
M
Gilpin
Adams
ò
M
a
!
s
I
Clear Creek
a
!
Ê
M
s
I
Arapahoe
²
I
§
I
Jefferson
`
!
h
M
j
M
Douglas
`
!
Regional Roadway System
County Boundaries
Minority EJ Areas
DRCOG Boundary
Low Income EJ Areas
Minority & Low Income EJ Areas
SOURCE DATA: DRCOG, Esri
Basemap; SR 6428 (see full source
information and disclaimer in appendix)
±
0
10
Miles
Envision the outcomes 183
}
I
Central
` Urban Area
!
Map 4.2: Regionally funded
multimodal projects and
environmental justice areas
b
!
¼
O
ò
M
Denver
Ê
M
s
I
²
I
Boulder
¤
O
í
M
}
I
§
I
í
M
Southwest
Weld
Â
K
Í
M
}
I
`
!
b
!
Broomfield
¼
O
p
M
Gilpin
Adams
ò
M
a
!
s
I
Clear Creek
a
!
Ê
M
s
I
Arapahoe
²
I
§
I
Jefferson
`
!
h
M
j
M
Douglas
`
!
Active Transportation Project
Regional Roadway System
Roadway Project
Environmental Justice Areas
Safety Project
DRCOG Boundary
Transit Project
184
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
SOURCE DATA: DRCOG, Esri
Basemap; SR 6428 (see full source
information and disclaimer in appendix)
±
0
10
Miles
Share of households meeting
transit-job
criterion
Share of accessibility
households meeting
transit-job accessibility criterion
Entire DRCOG region
2020 Environmental justice target
populations in Denver region and state totals
Environmental justice areas
One significant equity measure is how the 2050
Vulnerable population:
Minority population
RTP’s investments will help the region, and people
Low-income population
in environmental justice areas, access jobs using
40%
transit. As shown, the 2050 RTP’s investments will help
80%
78%
74%
60%
55%
60%
33%
30%as well as for people in environmental justice
region
areas. The 2050 RTP also includes extensive additions
20%
to the
bicycle and pedestrian system, expansion
40%
of transit service for vulnerable populations, and
increased outreach by DRCOG’s Way to Go program
10%
20%
0
36%
increase accessibility
to jobs using transit for the entire
13%
(a regional partnership providing commute options
including carpool- and vanpool-matching). In addition 6%
to
2020
2050
Source: 2050 RTP, Taking Action on Regional Vision Zero (2020,
DRCOG) and DRCOG calculations.
0
expanding commute
options, the 2050 RTP’s
bicycle,
DRCOG region
State of Colorado
pedestrian and transit investments will provide more
transportation
options
forfrom
individuals
mobility Service
Source: 2020 data
derived
Esri ArcGISwith
GeoEnrichment
challenges. Additionally, roadway capacity projects that
reduce congestion will benefit all people who travel by
car to work, including minority populations.
In addition to expanding the rapid transit system, the
2050 RTP provides more funding sources to serve
the needs of individuals in low-income and minority
populations. For example, projects within the 2050 RTP
will be able to leverage Federal Transit Administration
grant programs to provide potential benefits to
environmental justice communities (although they do
not specifically address minority populations). The
grant programs allow, but do not require, expenditures
toward developing transportation options for low-income
individuals to access employment and job training. The
grants also provide funding to increase transportation
options for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
Envision the outcomes 185
Potential effects of the fiscally constrained
2050 RTP in environmental justice communities
Other environmental justice considerations
Identifying and analyzing low-income and minority
Based on the analyses described above, the
areas captures only a portion of vulnerable populations
investments in the fiscally constrained 2050 RTP
within the Denver region. Based on a nationwide review
do not negatively affect low-income and minority
of environmental justice best practices, DRCOG also
populations more than others. Negative potential project
conducted a population-based analysis for groups other
effects inherent in today’s transportation system such
than minority and low-income people, including:
as air pollution, excessive noise and crashes may
occur throughout the region. Additionally, impacts to
accessibility and mobility as measured by travel times
are projected to be felt less by minority and low-income
populations than the entire region in 2050.
• Adults older than 65.
• Children age 5-17.
• Households with no vehicle.
• Households that speak limited or no English.
• Households with at least one person with a
disability.
Please refer to Appendix D for information about the
population-based analysis.
186
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Environmental mitigation measures
The Denver region includes a variety of environmental
and ecological resources. Residents and visitors use an
In addition to identifying environmental resources
extensive array of municipal, county, state and federal
potentially affected by the 2050 RTP, project and
parks and lands. A comprehensive shared-use path
program sponsors will develop mitigation activities
network serves bicyclists and pedestrians across the
for natural and historic resources in consultation with
region. Extensive wildlife habitat for species of special
federal, state and tribal wildlife, land management and
concern (as designated by Colorado Parks and Wildlife)
regulatory agencies. It is longstanding practice in the
and federally protected threatened and endangered
Denver region to streamline the transportation planning
species are spread across the region, along with
and National Environmental Policy Act processes,
archaeological and historic resources. Protecting the
reduce the duplication of work and expedite the delivery
environment is a core value of all stakeholders involved
of transportation projects, while still following stringent
in the transportation planning process, from the federal
guidance to protect the region’s environment.
government to local jurisdictions. A primary objective
for DRCOG and its partners in developing the region’s
The following mitigation strategy applies to all resources
multimodal transportation system is to mitigate effects
in all corridors:
on the environment from implementing transportation
projects.
1) Avoidance: Alter the project to avoid negatively
affecting environmental resources.
Appendix O contains a series of maps illustrating
numerous aspects of the Denver region’s natural,
environmental and ecological resources and features.
2) Minimization: Modify the project to reduce the
severity of the effect.
Identifying environmental resources and features at a
regional scale provides perspective and context for the
scope of the 2050 RTP, but is not intended to address
3) Mitigation: Alleviate or offset a negative effect or
replace an appropriated resource.
National Environmental Policy Act requirements that
apply to the project development process.
Envision the outcomes 187
Specific mitigation strategies are developed as part of
In addition to those that are conceptual in nature,
the National Environmental Policy Act environmental
many corridors in the region are the sites of proposed
review process during project development activities.
improvements that have either recently completed or for
Many regionally significant projects identified in
which the National Environmental Policy Act process is
the 2050 RTP are conceptual in nature, with exact
underway. Implementing agencies such as the CDOT
alignment, design and other project scope elements
and RTD lead development of National Environmental
yet to be determined in the project development
Policy Act studies and facilitate extensive coordination
process. For many projects, the development process
and consultation with resource and regulatory agencies.
may not occur for years, or even decades. Project
Documents developed during the study process contain
development studies define mitigation, minimization or
detailed mitigation strategies.
abatement strategies that address the following example
environmental topics:
• Noise levels.
• Right-of-way and property takings.
• Water quality.
• Parks.
• Site-specific air quality.
• Fish and wildlife.
• Social, community and economic impacts.
• Wetlands.
• Hazardous materials.
188
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
DRCOG serves on technical committees and review
draft project-level National Environmental Policy Act
documents associated with the development process
for specific projects and corridors. While it is the project
sponsor’s role to ensure compliance with all federal
requirements, DRCOG reviews National Environmental
Policy Act documents to ensure consistency — or
a lack of conflicts with — the 2050 RTP and other
DRCOG plans and programs. DRCOG also participates
in CDOT’s Transportation Environmental Resource
Council, a consortium through which federal, state and
local agencies plan for environmental stewardship in the
transportation planning process.
nsit of 100,000 or more job opportunities (peak)
nsit of 100,000 or more job opportuni
8%
%
2050
Entire region
70%
86%
Environmental challenges
76%
74%
Emissions from automobiles and trucks are a major
Agency. To meet the federal ozone standard, the
contributor to regional air pollution and area-specific
Regional Air Quality Council, in partnership with the
Minority
toxic
emissions. Ground-level ozone is the most harmful
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment,
%
pollutant in the Denver region.
Breathing ozone can
82%
developed a State Implementation Plan to reduce ozone
91%
trigger health problems including92%
reduced lung function
precursor emissions. The ozone plan identifies control
7%
%
and damaged lung tissue and can worsen bronchitis,
measures and motor vehicle emissions budgets that
emphysema and asthma. Ozone is formed primarily
the region must not exceed for air quality conformity.
88%
87%
in the summertime when volatile organic compounds
The total estimated emissions from mobile sources in
and nitrogen oxides, emitted from sources such as
all staging years must not exceed budgets. The results
Low income
automobiles,
power plants, lawn care equipment, and
demonstrate that the fiscally constrained 2050 RTP
9%
oil and gas extraction, mix and87%
react in the presence of
will not result in pollution levels that exceed federal
93%
sunlight.
thresholds. Through the transportation conformity
91%
1%
0%
93%
process, DRCOG ensures the region’s trajectory is
92%
toward clean air and minimizing bad air quality days.
Despite an increase in population and vehicle miles
traveled in the Denver region, the91%
use of cleaner
Documentation supporting transportation conformity is
in Appendix S.
vehicles and fuels is reducing emissions from mobile
0% (any
20%pollution
40% source
60% that
80%
sources
is not stationary,
of days
per year
exceeding
AverageNumber
number
of bad
ozone
days
like automobiles or lawn mowers). Even with cleaner
vehicles, forecast
increasesand
in population
COG small-area
the U.S. and
arterly Census
of
Employment
andcontinue
Wages.
vehicle miles traveled will
to affect air quality. Consequently,
the federal ozone standard
66
70
the region will continue its ongoing
efforts to promote alternate modes
60
of travel and pursue technological
improvements and cleaner fuels.
48
50
48
Electric vehicles powered by
renewable energy sources will play
40
48
44
37
36
a key role in reducing emissions in
the future.In 2019, the Denver Metro/
North Front Range was designated
as a serious nonattainment area for
the 2008 federal ozone standard
by the Environmental Protection
27
30
28
25
22
20
10
0
2010 2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016 2017
2018 2019
2020
Envision the outcomes 189
Conclusion
The 2050 RTP sets the vision for the Denver region’s
planning partners will continue to work together
multimodal transportation system and guides investment
until 2050 – and beyond – to strengthen the region’s
in the projects and programs to achieve that vision. The
multimodal transportation system to improve safety and
2050 RTP also reflects a collaborative and innovative
mobility, protect the environment and contribute to the
approach to address the region’s priorities. DRCOG’s
region’s desirable quality of life.
local governments and the region’s transportation
As the Denver region continues to grow, the 2050 RTP’s investment strategies will help
enhance quality of life for residents and visitors into the second half of the 21st century.
190
2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan
Envision the outcomes 191
This document was prepared and published by the Denver
Regional Council of Governments in cooperation with and with
financial assistance from the following public entities: the Federal
Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration and
the Colorado Department of Transportation.
TP
O
-R
P-
20
50
-R
TP
-2
210
-2
7V1
To receive this document in accessible formats, such as in
languages other than English, please call 303-455-1000 or email
[email protected] so staff can coordinate your request.
| File Type | application/pdf |
| File Title | 2050 Metro Vision Regional Transportation Plan |
| Author | DRCOG |
| File Modified | 2022-10-27 |
| File Created | 2022-09-13 |