For decades, Wadsworth Boulevard has been one of Wheat Ridge’s busiest and most important corridors, carrying more than 45,000 vehicles a day and serving as a front door to our community for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. It’s also been a source of frustration: congestion, safety concerns, aging infrastructure, and limited options for people walking, biking, or taking transit.
Today, I’m proud to say that chapter has turned.
With the substantial completion of the Wadsworth Improvement Project, Wheat Ridge has delivered the largest infrastructure investment in our city’s history, one that will serve our community for generations. While some final landscaping and public art will be completed this spring, the road is fully open, and the transformation is clear.
Between 35th Avenue and I-70, Wadsworth Boulevard has been fully reconstructed and modernized. The corridor now includes six travel lanes designed to move traffic more smoothly, raised medians that improve safety and reduce conflict points, and consolidated driveways that make it easier and safer to access local businesses. These changes come after years of planning, data, and community input, all focused on creating a safer, more reliable corridor.
One of the most exciting features of the project is the addition of two continuous-flow intersections at 38th and 44th Avenues, the first of their kind in Jefferson County. These innovative intersections allow left-turning vehicles to cross opposing traffic before reaching the main intersection, eliminating traditional left-turn signal phases. The result is less congestion, fewer delays, and a reduced risk of serious crashes. They may look different at first, but they are already delivering safer and more efficient travel.
Just as important, this project recognizes that Wadsworth isn’t only for cars. We’ve added more than three miles of new sidewalks and trails, including continuous sidewalks on the west side of the corridor and a new multi-use trail on the east that connects directly to the Clear Creek Trail and beyond. For the first time, people can travel this stretch of Wadsworth on foot or by bike with comfort and continuity.
This investment is already paying dividends. During construction alone, 10 new businesses opened along the corridor, drawBy improved access and a more welcoming streetscape. Through Renewal Wheat Ridge, the city also provided $100,000 in business grants to help local businesses weather construction impacts and position themselves for long-term success. As the corridor continues to mature, we expect even more private investment and economic opportunity.
The $85 million Wadsworth Improvement Project was made possible through a combination of federal, state, regional, and local funding, including support from Wheat Ridge voters through a half-cent sales tax. It also reflects an extraordinary level of collaboration between residents, business owners, CDOT, regional partners, and a dedicated construction team. More than 30,000 tons of recycled asphalt from the old roadway were reused in the new one, underscoring our commitment to sustainability as well as safety.
I know the construction period tested everyone’s patience. But standing here now, with a safer, more connected, and more vibrant Wadsworth Boulevard, I believe it was worth it. This is more than a road project, it’s an investment in Wheat Ridge’s future and a new gateway that reflects the pride we have in our community.
City Staff Highlight
Highlighting the Amazing Members of the City of Wheat Ridge Staff
Name: Jessie Troutman
Explain your job: I work as a Communications Specialist for the City of Wheat Ridge. As part of the communications team, my job is all about keeping people informed and connected on everything Wheat Ridge.
How long have you worked for the city? One year
Favorite pastime: Anything involving animals!
Favorite sandwich: Ice cream!
Favorite superhero: My dad.
If you had your own talk show, who would be your first guest?: My dog Rhonda, she has a LOT of opinions.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 albums would you want to have with you?: The Divine Feminine by Mac Miller, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan, Dance Fever Florence + The Machine
