Jefferson Street

Alternative Analysis Project

The City of Fort Collins, in partnership with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Downtown Development Authority (DDA), has begun the Jefferson Street/SH14 Alternative Analysis Project for improvements along Jefferson Street/SH14, and at the intersection of Jefferson/SH14 and Mountain Avenue.

Why another study?

Previous studies performed a conceptual-level analysis of potential improvements to Jefferson Street/SH 14 and Jefferson Street and Mountain Avenue intersection. The City realizes the challenges that traffic along Jefferson Street creates for adjacent businesses, and connectivity between Old Town and the River District areas. As a result, the City and its partner agencies are performing an expanded analysis and review of alternatives to determine the best solution to address:

• Existing and future traffic conditions
• Safety, mobility & accessibility for all modes of travel and vehicle sizes
• Impacts to local businesses and properties
• Parking needs and options
• Railroad operations
• Other factors based upon input from the project team, stakeholders and public

What is different with this study?

This project will involve a thorough evaluation of a complete set of design options for Jefferson Street/SH14, including the Jefferson/SH14 and Mountain Avenue intersection. Alternatives will be developed collaboratively with a broad stakeholder group, including representatives from the City, DDA, CDOT, Downtown Business Association, North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization (NFR MPO), local residents and business/property owners, Union Pacific Railroad, Colorado Motor Carriers Assoc., utilities, and other community/regional interests.

Improvements will need to improve air quality as well as safety and mobility for all modes of transportation along and across Jefferson/SH14. Economic viability is also an important area of focus for this project.

When will something be built?

It is anticipated that the alternative analysis will be completed by December 2010. Once this process is completed, agreed upon improvements will be implemented according to the approved implementation plan and available resources. The first phase of project improvements will advance to engineering and design during 2011. Construction timing will depend on the scope of the project.

The project includes an extensive public involvement effort, including frequent meetings and coordination with property and business owners, multiple City departments, City Boards and Council, DDA and CDOT.

For more information regarding the Jefferson Street/SH 14 project, please contact: Scott Weeks, City of Fort Collins Transportation Planning, ph: (970) 416-2643 or via e-mail: