This cover over a lowered I-70 is intended to reconnect central Denver neighborhoods divided by a noisy viaduct for more than 50 years. Courtesy Colorado Department of Highways.

After 13 years of study, a final decision is expected this summer on how to accommodate huge projected traffic increases on I-70. The preferred alternative proposes removal of the existing viaduct and lowering the highway between Brighton Blvd. and Colorado Blvd. A four-acre cover over the interstate between Clayton and Columbine Streets would relink neighborhoods that have been separated by the elevated viaduct since it was built in 1964.

The remainder of the $1.2 billion phase one project entails full reconstruction of the highway from Colorado Boulevard to Sand Creek (just east of Quebec) and widening of the highway from Sand Creek to Chambers Road. On completion, one “managed” lane (Express Lane) will have been added in each direction. CDOT will construct lighted sidewalks on Quebec under I-70 from ramp to ramp. Construction is slated to begin late 2017.

At its Feb. 18 review, members of the Stapleton Citizens Advisory Board (CAB) expressed concern that a highway widened ultimately to 10 lanes will not allow Stapleton to remain a neighborhood. They urged representatives from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to work with the community to widen and fully connect north-south pedestrian and bicycle sidewalks along Quebec and Havana Streets. CAB also suggested a new ped/bike bridge is needed over Sand Creek in the vicinity of the Central Park Station. The public comment period on the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) ends March 2.