Two years after Wheat Ridge voters approved the $75 million “Next Chapter” bond program, major infrastructure projects are beginning to move from planning into action across the city. From corridor redesigns and sidewalk connections to stormwater repairs, residents will start seeing visible progress throughout 2026.
One of the largest projects moving forward is the 38th Avenue Refresh project between Wadsworth Boulevard and Sheridan Boulevard. In April, the Wheat Ridge City Council approved a $636,100 design contract to begin planning improvements along the corridor. The project is focused on enhancing sidewalks, lighting, landscaping and public gathering spaces while largely maintaining the current roadway layout. Residents can expect to see survey crews and traffic analysis work along the corridor in the coming months, with conceptual designs anticipated in early 2027. Outreach to nearby businesses and property owners will also be part of the planning process.
Further west, progress continues on the redesign of 38th Avenue between Youngfield Street and Kipling Street. Design work on the 1.75-mile corridor is now approximately 60% complete. Plans include converting the roadway to two lanes with dedicated bike lanes, safer pedestrian facilities and improved connectivity. The project team is working to preserve mature trees, minimize impacts to surrounding properties and focus improvements where they are most needed rather than applying changes uniformly across the corridor.
The city is also moving forward with sidewalk gap projects designed to improve safety and connectivity near schools, parks and existing trail systems. Wheat Ridge recently hired a consultant to design several priority sidewalk connections, with construction expected to begin in phases during 2026 and 2027. Projects are being prioritized based on safety needs, accessibility and the ability to work around utilities and right-of-way limitations.
In addition to transportation improvements, Wheat Ridge is investing heavily in stormwater infrastructure after several major pipe failures and sinkholes required more than $2 million in emergency repairs over the past two years. Repairs have taken place near Independence Street, Miller Street and Hoyt Street as aging underground infrastructure continues to create challenges across the city.
To address long-term drainage needs, Wheat Ridge adopted a Stormwater Master Plan in 2025 that will guide future system upgrades and repairs. Many of those improvements are now being funded through the Next Chapter bond program. City officials say these investments are critical as older infrastructure systems continue to age and opportunities for traditional stormwater detention become more limited.
Voters approved the Next Chapter bond program in 2023, with bonds officially issued in late 2024. As projects advance from design into construction, the city plans to continue engaging residents through public meetings, outreach opportunities and project updates.
City Staff Highlight
Highlighting the Amazing Members of the City of Wheat Ridge Staff
Name: Whitney Mugford-Smith
Explain your job: As the City’s Procurement Manager, it is my responsibility to ensure a fair and open competitive landscape for suppliers to earn City-awarded contracts. I manage the City’s eProcurement Platform, OpenGov, which allows us to solicit various opportunities to a wide range of suppliers all over the world allowing the City secure Best Value for our taxpayer dollars. I like to think of myself as a relationship builder more than anything as I help project leaders find the best suppliers to support the City; I rarely actually buy anything.
How long have you worked for the city? I joined the city in September of 2021.
Favorite pastime: Creating art!
What is your walkout song?: Just Dance – Lady Gaga (Fun Fact: My dad and I walked down the aisle to it on my wedding day)
Favorite superhero: Batman and Captain Marvel (she’s just SO cool!)
If you had your own talk show, who would be your first guest?: RuPaul
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 albums would you want to have with you?: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers Greatest Hits; Lady Gaga The Fame Monster; MOTOWN Greatest Hits
