2014 Bicycle Master Plan Spot Improvements

Adopted in 2014, the Fort Collins Bicycle Master Plan (Bike Plan) recommends the 2020 low-stress bicycle network, comfortable for people of all ages and abilities. Key to completing this network, which leverages existing low traffic streets, is crossing improvements where the low-stress network intersects arterial streets.  The Bike Plan recommends different types of crossing improvements at these locations, depending on the characteristics of the intersection.  The recommended locations for enhanced bicycle crossings are identified on the 2020 low-stress network maps (available here).

The crossing improvements recommended in the Bike Plan will feature unique and innovative designs, which will be tested and evaluated beginning in 2015.

2015 Bicycle Spot Improvement: Heatheridge and Lynnwood at Prospect

There are many examples in Fort Collins where collector and local streets do not align at arterial intersections (street jogs).  Where these streets represent the 2020 low-stress bicycle network, the City is exploring design strategies for creating comfortable and safe crossings for people on bicycles.  In 2015, the City will test its first project of this nature at the intersection of Heatheridge and Lynnwood at Prospect. 

Figure 1: Example Design - Bicycle Intersection Treatment

This crossing represents an important link in the City’s bicycle network, and serves as a connection to the Spring Creek Trail and Bennett Elementary. A documented history of bicycle-related crashes at this intersection makes this an important safety project as well.

The proposed design of the project aims to improve access to the pedestrian signal at Heatheridge, for people coming to or from Heatheridge and Lynnwood. The project will upgrade the curb ramps on Lynnwood and Heatheridge, while also widening them to provide a safe, shared space for people walking and bicycling to access the pedestrian signal at Heatheridge.

Project Components Include:

• Upgraded pedestrian signal at Heatheridge and Prospect
• Curb extensions and sidewalk ramp upgrades at the SW corner of Heatheridge and Prospect, and NE corner of Lynnwood and Prospect
• Left-turn bike lanes on Lynnwood and Heatheridge to facilitate bike access to the signal and crossing at Heatheridge

The project will be evaluated over the following year to determine if additional changes are necessary. See the full Heatheridge plans now.

For additional information regarding the project goals and design, please contact:

Tessa Greegor
FC Bikes Program Manager
tgreegor@fcgov.com
970.416.2471

Construction Details

Construction Details:
The concrete work at the corners of both Heatheridge and Lynnwood will begin the week of October 12, with asphalt patching and striping after that.  The total construction should take approximately three weeks. The public should expect lane drops along Prospect Road at these intersections as well as lane shifts on both Heatheridge and Lynnwood. 

For construction information, please contact:

Dan Woodward
Civil Engineer II
dwoodward@fcgov.com
970.416.4203