Final work was underway last month on Wadsworth Boulevard in Wheat Ridge — including digging up some new, smooth pavement and other features — while other projects began or were in planning stages.
Meanwhile, very preliminary talks could result in the relocation of the library.
City spokesperson Amanda Harrison responded to several emailed questions from the Gazette regarding the status of various projects.
Wadsworth Boulevard Improvement and Expansion Project
Work on this project between 35th Avenue and Interstate 70 began in November 2021. It expanded about one and a quarter miles of Wadsworth — also known as Colorado Highway 121 — to six lanes to handle traffic demands through 2040.
Paving and other work ended last year, except for final touch-ups and landscaping. That included the area around 38th Avenue and Wadsworth, where joint sealing the concrete pavement took place. Some joints had to be replaced due to smoothness grinding and some were initially not sealed, Harrison wrote.
Other recent work included power washing and staining a sound wall, weed removal and spraying and replacement of dead plantings.
The contractor was back onsite after winter shutdown to wrap up the project, Harrison added. They are expected to finish by the end of May.
The Wadsworth project was estimated to have a $55 million final construction cost.
Youngfield Beautification Project
Other recent work included river rocks dug up between 32nd and 41st avenues on Youngfield Street.
That includes landscape irrigation, decorative fencing, cobble beds and public art.
Harrison noted the project is slated to finish this summer at an estimated cost of $3.5 million. It will be paid for by the city’s urban renewal bond.
According to the What’s Up Wheat Ridge website, other features include a painted mural at Youngfield and West 40th Avenue and other aesthetic improvements along Youngfield between 30th and 40th avenues, focusing on the area between Youngfield and I-70.
38th Avenue West End Improvements
This work will occur on a 1.5-mile section from Youngfield to Kipling Street and could begin later this year, Harrison stated.
The city is working with Xcel Energy on the cost to underground area utilities while the design consultant develops construction documents, she said. A city council study session was planned for late May or June to present utility information and project plans.
If everything lines up, undergrounding utilities would begin this year and project construction would start in early 2027. Harrison noted an early engineering construction estimate is $22 million.
A final design was expected this spring, followed by project bidding and construction. Harrison added the city anticipates work to last between a year and 1½ years.
The What’s Up site notes this project will use the existing right of way to provide continuous sidewalks on both sides of 38th, add bike lanes in both directions and minor modifications to turn lanes. Mini-roundabouts are planned for Tabor Court, Parfet and Miller streets.
Dover Street
Some residents here have reportedly told the city they do not want new sidewalks included in an improvement project.
Harrison said a design consultant is working on conceptual drawings for the street, an area with drainage issues that need to be addressed.
A local community meeting will take place to discuss options, she added. The city does not yet have an engineer’s estimate of the construction cost.
Wheat Ridge Library relocation
Harrison wrote the city is interested in exploring the possibility of moving the library downtown to the Lutheran Legacy Campus.
“Talks have not been held beyond general interest,” she added.
The approximately 100-acre parcel was home to Lutheran Hospital — also called the Lutheran Medical Center — for more than a century. The facility moved to a 26-acre site at Clear Creek Crossing in August 2024.
The city’s interest in relocating the library comes while the Jefferson County Public Library gathers citizen input about the Wheat Ridge Library’s future.
The library is housed in the Seniors Resource Center, 5475 W. 32nd Ave., in what used to be Columbia Heights Elementary School.
The library website noted input is sought through an online survey until May 22. The survey includes a few questions about adequate space. You can take the survey at https://jeffcolibrary.org/wheat-ridge-library-community-survey/
Printed surveys were available at the library, and library officials and staff planned to attend several Wheat Ridge-area events to talk about the library’s future.
Those include Saturday, May 9, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Edwards Meats,; Friday, May 15, 5 – 7 p.m. at Concerts on The Green; and Saturday, June 6, 12:30 – 8 p.m. at RidgeFest.
The library website also noted, “With redevelopment underway in the city of Wheat Ridge, there are potential opportunities for Wheat Ridge Library services to be expanded or reimagined.”
Community feedback will be presented to the library’s board of trustees in July, library spokesperson Elise Penington wrote in an email.
“Engagement feedback will help guide a recommendation related to future library services,” she added. “No decisions have been made regarding changes to library services or facilities and no budget has been set.”
Penington also noted people can sign up for email notifications on the project webpage, https://jeffcolibrary.org/wheat-ridge-project/.
