Peoria Multimodal Improvements - Denver · 2019-09-06 · The Peoria Multimodal Improvements...

Peoria Multimodal ImprovementsSituational Appraisal Memorandum Draft | August 2019

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ContentsProject Overview ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................4

Previous Plans ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16

Peoria Street Detail Maps ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 22

Figures Figure 1: Peoria Street Overview Map ..........................................................................................................................................................................5

Figure 2: Peoria Street Single Left-Turn Lane Configuration Typical..............................................................................................................6

Figure 3: Peoria Street Roadway & Lane Configuration Map .............................................................................................................................7

Figure 4: Peoria Street Sidewalk Condition Map .....................................................................................................................................................9

Figure 5: Peoria Street Bike Facilities Map ...............................................................................................................................................................11

Figure 6: Peoria Street Bike and Pedestrian Crashes Map............................................................................................................................... 13

Figure 7: Peoria Street Transit Map ............................................................................................................................................................................ 15

Figure 8: Peoria Street Index Map ............................................................................................................................................................................... 23

City and County of Denver Situational Appraisal Memorandum | Draft

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Project Overview

Peoria Street OverviewPeoria Street in northeast Denver is vital to moving people, goods, and services north and south in the Metro area. The roadway, which runs approximately two miles through Denver from 37th Avenue to 56th Avenue, hosts a mix of industrial and commercial land-uses to the west and suburban residential within the Montbello neighborhood to the east. This mix of character along the roadway and a major vehicular connection to I-70 has primarily focused on accommodating moving vehicles through the corridor. More than 50,000 vehicles per day utilize Peoria Street north of I-70, and there is a higher than average percentage of heavy vehicle use due to the industrial land uses to the north. Mobility options for pedestrians and bicyclists along the roadway are limited, which has created safety issues for those wishing to walk, bike, or utilize transit.

Previous planning efforts have identified improving multimodal access on Peoria Street, including Denver Vision Zero which classified Peoria Street as a High Injury Network due to the number of accidents that have occurred, and the Far Northeast Area Plan which recommended bicycle, pedestrian, and transit upgrades. Many of the safety issues result from the lack of continuous sidewalks and bicycle connections that can move people safely between places where they live, work, and patronize. The east side in particular, which connects to the Peoria RTD station, is missing sidewalks in multiple areas which makes it difficult for the neighborhood to connect with high frequency transit.

The Peoria Multimodal Improvements Project is advancing community recommendations to re-envision the pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure on Peoria Street from 37th Avenue to 56th Avenue and to engineer a final design that will lead to construction of new sidewalks and a multimodal path. Figure 1 on the next page shows the extent of the project. This Denver project will coordinate with CDOT’s reconstruction of the I-70 bridge over Peoria Street and associated sidewalk and multimodal path construction.

The purpose of this Situational Awareness Report is to document previous planning and community input that has lead to the Peoria Multimodal Improvements Project and to document the existing conditions of the corridor within Denver city limits. This report sets the stage for the next phase of concept planning and design by identifying current multimodal conditions, as well as, “Key Priorities” based on physical conditions in relation to the project goals. The identified “Key Priorities” will be reviewed and supplemented via a community engagement project.

Peoria Street and 46th Avenue

Industrial land use along the west side of Peoria Street

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Figure 1: Peoria Street Overview Map

Within the I-70 interchange, CDOT is currently constructing a sidewalk on the west side of Peoria Street and a multi-use path on the east side of Peoria Street.

Phase 1 Implementation planned as part of this Peoria Multimodal Improvements project include the design and construction of missing sidewalks located immediately north and south of the I-70 interchange.

The full design will include Peoria Street from 37th Avenue to 56th Avenue.


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Roadway & Lane ConfigurationPeoria Street is a car centric suburban style arterial with heavy traffic volumes and truck activity due to industrial land uses and proximity to I-70. The street is a major gateway to the Montbello neighborhood.

In general, Peoria Street has three southbound and three northbound lanes with a planted median that ranges in size from 4 feet to 14 feet. The median width decreases at left turn lane locations. Figure 2 below, shows a typical roadway configuration and lane widths along Peoria Street. Planting strips on either side of the roadway vary in width.

Figure 3 displays signalized intersections and traffic cameras located on Peoria Street. The full extent of Peoria Street contains 8 signalized intersections at:

• 56th Avenue - span wire signal with crosswalk on south and east approaches. The City and County of Denver is planning a project on 56th Avenue to improve safety, improve transit services, and complete the multi-use trail between Peoria Street and Peña Blvd

• 51st Avenue - span wire signal with crosswalk on north and west approaches

• 49th Avenue/Andrews Drive - mast arm signal with crosswalks on all approaches

• 47th Avenue/Albrook Drive - mast arm signal with crosswalks on all approaches

• 45th Avenue - mast arm signal with crosswalks on all approaches

• I-70 Westbound - mast arm signal with crosswalks on north, east, and west approaches

• I-70 Eastbound - mast arm signal with crosswalks on south, east, and west approaches

• 39th Avenue - mast arm signal with crosswalks on south, east, and west approaches

Non-signalized intersections and driveways without painted crosswalks account for the majority of intersections onto Peoria Street. These conditions, while present on both sides of the roadway, are more numerous on the west side of Peoria Street.

Figure 2: Peoria Street Single Left-Turn Configuration Typical

City and County of DenverSituational Appraisal Memorandum | Draft

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Figure 3: Peoria Street Roadway & Lane Configuration Map


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SidewalksSidewalk conditions along Peoria Street were assessed by community members during the Far Northeast Neighborhood Plan development in 2017 and 2018 using a mobile tool called WALKscope Denver which was developed by WalkDenver and PlaceMatters to collect data related to sidewalks and intersections. The visual assessment includes general data including cracked and uneven pavement, width, and the lack of adequate ADA curb ramps. Sidewalk conditions on Peoria Street are not consistent and vary from recently constructed to missing on both the east and west sides of Peoria Street. Figure 4, displays sidewalk conditions along the corridor rating from “Missing” to “Good”. A sidewalk rated in “Poor” condition has frequent visible cracking or unevenness and/or inconsistent paving surfaces or inadequate ADA curb ramps. A “Good” condition sidewalk has no apparent cracking or unevenness, and/or could have been recently renovated. Condition ratings were calculated based on data gathered from WALKScope and visual inspection of current imagery.

Twelve percent of Peoria Street is missing sidewalks, and most of the missing sidewalks are located in the area immediately north and south of the I-70 interchange. The missing sidewalks are located in an area where pedestrians and cyclists frequently move through to access the RTD Peoria Rail Station to the south. These missing sidewalk sections are a priority that are planned for improvement as part of Denver’s Sidewalk Gap Program funded by GO Bond dollars. 41% of sidewalks in the study area were ranked in poor condition with cracked pavement and unevenness. The sidewalk on the east side of Peoria Street north of 47th Avenue/Albrook Drive, which is classified as a shared use path, is in poor condition.

Existing shared-use path on the east side of Peoria Street

Shared-use path

Missing and inadequate sidewalk

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Figure 4: Peoria Street Sidewalk Condition Map


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Bike FacilitiesPeoria Street does not have any existing on street bicycle facilities. A shared use sidewalk has been designated on the east side of Peoria Street from 45th Avenue to 56th Avenue, but there is no infrastructure or signage along the route. The condition of the sidewalk on this route is poor with heavy cracking, deterioration, and unevenness and is in need of replacement. While bikes do utilize this shared path and other sidewalks on both sides of Peoria Street, the conditions are not suitable for regular bicycle travel. Figure 5 displays existing and proposed bicycle facilities.

Some intersecting roads have existing bicycle facilities including:

• 56th Avenue has a shared use sidewalk on the south side of the road

• 47th Avenue/Albrook Drive is classified as a shared Roadway

Denver Moves Bicycles and the Far Northeast Area Plan have proposed improved bicycle facilities on Peoria Street and intersecting routes including:

• Shared sidewalk on full length of Peoria Street

• Neighborhood bikeway on 55th Avenue

• Buffered bike lane on 49th Avenue

• Protected bike lane on 47th Avenue Existing shared use path on E 56th Avenue

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Figure 5: Peoria Street Bike Facilities Map


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Pedestrian and Bicycle CrashesPeoria Street moves more than 50,000 vehicles a day and can be dangerous for bicyclists and pedestrians. Sidewalk conditions in some locations are poor with cracking and unevenness, and there no are bicycle lanes and limited multi-use paths. In 2017, the City and County of Denver adopted the Denver Vision Zero Action Plan and Peoria Street was included in the roadways classified as the High Injury Network (HIN).

Figure 6 displays crashes involving bicycles and vehicles, as well as, crashes involving pedestrians and vehicles. Crash data assessed was recorded between 2015 and 2019.

Notably, crashes involving pedestrians occur at midblock crossings in between 47th and 49th Avenues, 44th and 45th Avenues, and between 45th and 47th Avenues. Three of the four recorded crashes involving bicycles occurred at unsignalized intersections. Bicyclists and pedestrians boarding RTD Bus

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Figure 6: Peoria Street Bike & Pedestrian Crashes Map


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Transit ServiceRegional Transportation District (RTD) serves the Montbello neighborhood and Peoria Street with regional rail service at the Peoria Station and three local bus routes that travel on Peoria Street. Figure 7, displays transit service and stops in the corridor. RTD transit routes include:

• Peoria Station on the southern edge of Peoria Street is served by RTD’s University of Colorado A Line and R Line. These regional rail lines serve downtown Denver, DEN airport, and Aurora.

• Bus route 121, operating weekday 30 minute headways, travels north on Peoria Street and turns east into the Montbello neighborhood at 51st Avenue.

• Bus route 45, operating weekday 30 minute headways, travels on Peoria Street and services Montbello Neighborhood on Albrook Drive.

• Bus route 42, operating weekday 15 minute peak hour and 30 minute off-peak hour headways, runs east/west and intersects Peoria Street at 47th Avenue/Albrook Drive.

For the bus routes that run on Peoria Street, there are a total of 6 northbound stops and 6 southbound stops.

Peoria Station

Bus Stop Amenities and ConditionsNorthbound Stops

• Peoria Street & 39th Avenue - no amenities

• Peoria Street & 45th Avenue - bench


• Peoria Street & Albrook Drive - no amenities

• Peoria Street & Andrews Drive - no amenities and no paved boarding/alighting area

• Peoria Street and 51st Avenue - no amenities and no paved boarding/alighting area

Southbound Stops

• Peoria Street and 51st Avenue - bench

• Peoria Street & 49th Avenue - no amenities

• Peoria Street & 47th Avenue - bench and shelter

• Peoria Street & 46th Avenue - bench and shelter



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Figure 7: Peoria Street Transit Map


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Previous PlansPeoria Street and the adjacent areas in Denver have been part of previous planning studies which have provided policy guidance and improvement recommendations. To build upon community recommendations and citywide policy that is relevant to the design of Peoria Street, this section documents these relevant plans that have led to the Peoria Multimodal Design Project.

Denver Comprehensive Plan 2040 (2019)C O M P R E H E N S I V E P L A N 2 0 4 0

D E N V E R ’ S P L A N F O R T H E F U T U R E

Adopted by Denver City CouncilApril 22, 2019

Denver’s Comprehensive Plan is a holistic and sustainable vision to guide the future of Denver. It creates vision and goals to tie together the city’s plans and policies and provides a framework and goals for all city plans. The plan includes a vision for safe, high quality, multimodal transportation options. Specific mobility goals include:

• Delivering a multimodal network that encourages more trips by walking, rolling, biking, and transit

• Providing a safe transportation system that serves all users

• Maximizing the public right-of-way to create safe places

• Creating equitable and connected multimodal network that improves access to opportunity and services

• Building and maintaining safe bicycle and pedestrian networks

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• Ensuring the development of frequent, high-quality and reliable transit network

• Expanding funding options for multimodal infrastructure

• Strengthening multimodal connections in mixed use centers and focus growth near transit

• Advancing innovative curb lane management and parking policies

The goal of the Peoria Multimodal Design project will be to help meet the mobility goals defined within the comprehensive plan.

Denver Vision Zero Action Plan (2017)

Denver established a Vision Zero Action Plan in 2017 as a response to people being killed or seriously injured as a consequence of mobility. To focus efforts on the most dangerous streets in Denver, a High Injury Network (HIN) was identified to represent corridors in Denver with the highest number of fatal and injury crashes. The 27 identified corridors in Denver account for 5 percent of streets but 50 percent of traffic deaths. Peoria Street is identified as part of the HIN, and much of the residential core adjacent to Peoria Street is also identified as one of the Communities of Concern. Communities of Concern represent areas that have low income and education levels, high concentrations of seniors and people with disabilities, low rates of vehicle ownership, high obesity rates, and high numbers of schools and community centers.

Blueprint Denver (2019)

Blueprint Denver is a citywide land use and transportation plan for the next 20 years. Its vision for Denver is an equitable city of complete neighborhoods and networks. It is an evolving city where growth complements existing neighborhoods and benefits everyone.

The plan categorized the aspirational nature of Denver’s future streets by the future surrounding land use character and functional class. Peoria Street is classified as a Commercial Arterial which typically contains shopping centers, auto services, and offices with buildings often set back with on-site parking. These streets have more frequent driveways to provide auto access to properties, but should still provide adequate sidewalk space for people to walk or roll. Peoria street was classified as a pedestrian enhanced street and future bicycle priority street, and future modal priority includes pedestrian, bike & transit priority associated with various sections to provide a complete network for people walking, biking, or taking transit. Future places within the suburban context were established on Peoria with a regional center located north of I-70.

Denver Moves: Transit (2019)

Denver Moves: Transit is the first step for the City to support the regional and local transit system by identifying local transit improvements, enhancing bicycle and pedestrian access to transit, and identifying important first/final mile solutions. The plan sets a course for Denver to enhance transit service within the city to help make transit a first choice for all types of trips, providing a number of economic, health, environmental, and accessibility benefits. The Plan calls for a Speed and Reliability Corridor on Peoria Street between 56th Avenue and the Peoria Station off of 33rd Avenue and also an east/west perpendicular Speed and Reliability route crossing Peoria at 48th Avenue and serving Montbello and Green Valley Ranch. Speed and Reliability Corridors benefit from capital investments, which may include transit-priority signals (a tool used to modify traffic signal cycles to allow buses to get through intersections when they are close, to reduce delays and increase transit speeds) and queue jumps and bypass lanes (making it easier for buses to move past congestion at intersections). Stops along these corridors are also proposed to have enhanced bus stop amenities and pedestrian and bicycle access improvements. The most important element is the improved service frequency that is associated with the Speed and Reliability Corridors, where bus service is proposed to operate every 15 minutes or less throughout the day, seven days a week.


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Denver Moves: Pedestrians & Trails (2019)

Denver Moves: Pedestrians & Trails (2019) is a long-term, community-developed, and financially unconstrained plan for achieving a vision for walking and trails in Denver. The plan identified priorities for projects, policies, and programs such that elements of the vision can be achieved quickly and efficiently. For pedestrians, the plan identifies a complete network of new sidewalks, widening of existing sidewalks, at-grade crossings of streets and grade-separated crossings of major barriers like freeways, railroads, and rivers. Many design treatments contribute to a highly walkable environment, including geometric treatments, as well as traffic signal and streetscape treatments.

Peoria Street between 56th Avenue and 47th Avenue is included as a Tier 1 priority project in the Plan, as is 46th Avenue between Peoria Street and Albrook Drive. The plan maps also highlighted missing sidewalks between I-70 and 37th Avenue on both sides of Peoria Street, which is a Tier 1 priority project. The plan calls for well-connected pedestrian networks with access to key destinations. Six goals were developed including: accessibility, connectivity, destination access, equity, health, and safety.

A general recommendation proposed a range of policy and program actions to achieve its vision including pedestrian scale street lighting, development of an ADA Transition Plan, maintaining sidewalk widths with café seating, pedestrian scale wayfinding, pedestrian-related elements of street design guidelines, and accommodation during construction.

Far Northeast Area Plan (2019)

The Far Northeast Area Plan describes the community vision for Montbello and Green Valley Ranch for the next 20+ years and will help inform community priorities and public investments during that time. The planning area is approximately 17 square miles in size, or about 11% of the City of and County of Denver land area (not including the airport). Transportation challenges include areas of traffic congestion, vehicle on pedestrian/bicyclist collisions, and a lack of transit service.

Community feedback was that “Residents want better multimodal connections to transit, especially improved pedestrian infrastructure and connectivity along Peoria Street leading to the Peoria Rail Station.”

Specific policy recommendations from the plan include:

• MOB-10.4. Roadway improvement projects along Peoria Street must include operational and safety enhancements that increase pedestrian and bicycle safety.

• MOB-12.1. Incorporate traffic calming measures in future street designs, roadway reconfigurations, and maintenance.

• MON-4. Promote Peoria Street between 47th and 56th Avenues as a pedestrian-friendly destination area.

Complementary recommendations include:

• Lighting – QOL-13: Improve lighting within rights-of way and on other public land.

• Landscape – LU-11: Provide generous tree canopy coverage at rights-of-way over 100 feet in width to contribute to traffic calming (includes Peoria Street).

• Transit – MOB-1: Develop speed and reliability corridors.

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• Peoria Street is listed as a potential north-south route from 56th Avenue south to the RTD Peoria Rail Station (MOB 1.1.c).

• The Peoria Street Multimodal Improvements project will enhance the environment for changes to transit operations.

The Vision Zero classification of Peoria as a High Injury Network influenced the proposed operational and safety enhancements at four intersections along Peoria Street including 49th Avenue, 47th Avenue, 45th Avenue, and at the I-70 and Peoria Interchange. Additionally, Andrews Drive and Albrook Drive would see lane reductions and 47th Avenue and 49th Avenue would be reconfigured west of Peoria Street.

Peoria Street is proposed as an auto and goods priority street and should remain as a limited-access route that only allows freight movement during late evening and early morning hours to minimize conflicts with other modes of travel. Peoria Street is also proposed as a Priority Transit-Bicycle-Pedestrian street, meaning that all three modes should be accommodated within the roadway’s right-of-way.

The plan identified an existing shared-use sidewalks along Peoria between 56th and 45th Avenues and proposed a continuation of shared-use sidewalks from 45th Avenue to 33rd Avenue with enhanced wayfinding signage. A new neighborhood bikeway is proposed to connect to Peoria Street at 55th Avenue and buffered bike lanes are proposed along 49th/Andrews Drive and Albrook Drive. A protected bike lane is also proposed along 47th Avenue west of Peoria.

The new Montbello FreshLo (fresh and local) Healthy Living Walkable Loop was proposed to use Maxwell Place on the north, Durham Court on the east, 46th Drive/Albrook Drive on the south, and either Peoria Street or Oakland Street on the west. The Walkable Loop is intended to increase physical activity as users enjoy art and better connectivity to parks and urban gardens interwoven throughout Montbello’s residential area.

NDCC Mobility Master Plan: Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities at Highway Interchanges (Peoria and I-70 Interchange) (2016)

As part of the NDCC Mobility Master Plan, the City and County of Denver analyzed improvements at the I-70 and Peoria Street interchange to enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety. This highway interchange is an important element in the transportation network but is a barrier for bikes and pedestrians.

The report documented that sidewalks are not present south of the interchange on either side of Peoria Street. Through the interchange and to the north, sidewalks are extremely narrow and were constructed using asphalt pavement. Marked crosswalks are present at the signalized interchange intersections, but the free-flow ramps do not have marked crosswalks and are angled in such a way as to reduce visibility of bikes and pedestrians.

The report provides a number of recommendations including the addition of striped crosswalks, additional signage, reconfiguring the ramps to create better sight lines at crosswalks, raised sidewalks to slow traffic, and the addition of bicycle lanes. A 10 foot multi-use path was proposed in the ultimate locations with a three foot recovery zone adjacent to the path. Pedestrian countdown signals and Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RFB) were recommended.

Proposed bicycle and pedestrian upgrades on Peoria discussed in the documents include:

56th Avenue to I-70: Provide reconstructed ten-foot wide concrete multi-use path along the east side of Peoria Street from 56th Avenue to I-70. This section would include the addition of crossing treatments (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons) across the on and off-ramps to tie in to proposed I-70 interchange facilities.


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I-70 Underpass: This connection is included as part of the Central 70 Project and would provide a continuous ten-foot multi-use path on both sides of Peoria Street underneath I-70.

I-70 to 39th Avenue: Provide connection to the existing ten-foot multi-use path on east side of Peoria Street south of 39th Avenue. This section would include the addition of crossing treatments (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons) across the on and off-ramps south of I-70.

The I-70 and Peoria Street interchange is currently being replaced as part of the Central 70 Project, which is reconstructing or expanding a 10-mile segment of I-70 between I-25 and Chambers Road. CDOT is incorporating the proposed interchange improvements into the design of the new interchange.

RTD First and Last Mile Strategic Plan (2019)

The RTD First and last Mile (FLM) Strategic Plan covers effective strategies in getting to transit (first mile) and getting to your final destination (last mile) for multiple types of transit stations and stops in a variety of settings.

Peoria Station is classified as a Suburban-mixed area with a high employment density, medium residential density, and medium transit frequency. A toolkit with recommendations is provided that could help to improve connections from Peoria Street north of I-70 to the Peoria station. Bicycle first and last mile general guidance includes a shared use path as most appropriate adjacent to very high volume and high speed roads where there are relatively few curb cuts. Pedestrian guidance includes improving pedestrian infrastructure with 5 foot minimum width and landscaped buffers and crossing improvements.

FIRST AND LAST MILE STRATEGIC PLAN SPRING 2019

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Detail Maps OverviewTo provide a detailed analysis of the existing conditions along Peoria Street that will set the stage for concept design plans, this section includes detailed mapping along the corridor divided into 600 feet increments. At this scale, block and intersection level conditions can be seen on aerial imagery and conditions can be summarized.

The index map, Figure 8, shows the how the full corridor is divided into sections, and the subsequent maps follow the corridor from north to south beginning at 56th Avenue and ending at 37th Avenue. All major intersections and non-signalized intersections are highlighted. Sidewalk conditions, lane configurations, bicycle facilities, and transit facilities are also highlighted.

Peoria Street Detail Maps

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Peoria Street, E. 47th to Smith Rd

Figure 8: Peoria Street Index Map


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Peoria Street Detail Map: 1

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Detail Map 1: Peoria Street E 56th Avenue AreaDetail Map 1 shows the northern terminus of Peoria Street at the E 56th Avenue intersection. The intersection is signalized and has traffic cameras.

Sidewalks on the northbound side of Peoria are heavily cracked and uneven in texture and height and rated to be in poor condition. However, sidewalks connecting at E 56th Avenue have recently been repaved eastbound to serve as a shared bike and pedestrian sidewalk. Sidewalks on the southbound side are smaller in width and appear to be in fair condition.

The northbound sidewalk has been designated a shared pedestrian and bike facility.

Land uses in this area are commercial/industrial on the southbound side with the Montbello neighborhood on the northbound side.

Source: WALKScope 2016

ROW: Right-of-Way SW: SidewalkLT: Left Turn Lane RT: Right Turn Lane

Peoria Street Sidewalk Conditions Looking North to E 56th Avenue

Category West Side East Side

Street Profile 120’ ROW

Curb to Curb Width 84’

Number of Lanes 3+1LT 2LT + 1RT

Median Width 4’-14’

Traffic Signals/ITS Active - E 56th/Traffic Camera

Bike Facilities -- Shared SW

Sidewalk Conditions Fair Poor

Sidewalk Width 5’ 8’

Transit Service -- --

Key Priorities:

• Coordinate with upcoming 56th Avenue design project which will include multi-use path on both sides, an upgraded intersection and signal at Peoria Street and ADA improvements

• East side sidewalk conditions are in poor condition for multimodal use

• E 56th Avenue and Peoria Street intersection lacks adequate traffic and pedestrian signals and crosswalk striping making it unsafe to cross

• Sidewalk width is too narrow for multimodal use on the west Side of Peoria Street


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Detail Map 2: Peoria Street E 55th Avenue AreaThe E 55th Avenue intersection is unsignalized with no painted crosswalks. The western side of the intersection is for an industrial parking lot that serves large vehicles.

Lane configurations in this section vary from two travel lanes with a turn lane to three general purpose lanes. In locations where two striped lanes are shown, the lane widths are uneven with the curb lane being oversized. Approaching intersections, these unevenly sized lanes become three striped lanes.

Northbound sidewalk conditions are again poor. However, curb ramps appear to be adequate or recently renovated.

The shared bike and pedestrian sidewalk continues from the previous section.


Peoria Street Looking North to E 55th Avenue




Number of Lanes 2 +1LT 3


Traffic Signals/ITS --





Key Priorities:


• E 55th Avenue has no painted crosswalks or pedestrian signals




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Detail Map 3: Peoria Street E 54th Avenue AreaThe E 54th Avenue intersection is an unsignalized through street serving general traffic. Medians in this location are 4 feet in width offering little refuge for pedestrians. There are no painted crosswalks.

Travel lanes are unevenly sized adding a left turn approaching the E 54th Avenue intersection.


Northbound sidewalk conditions are poor with a segment missing on the corner of E 54th Avenue Traveling into Montbello, the sidewalk narrows with utility box obstructions in the pedestrian ROW. Curb ramps on the northbound side of Peoria Street are present, but need renovation.

Source: Google Streetview captured 2017

NB E 54th Avenue and Peoria Street Corner




Number of Lanes 2 +1LT 2+1LT







Key Priorities:


• E 54th Avenue has no painted crosswalks or pedestrian signals




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Detail Map 4: Peoria Street E 53rd Avenue AreaThis section contains three intersections, two driveways, and E 53rd Avenue. The driveways serve commercial and industrial uses on the southbound side of Peoria Street. Residential uses for the Montbello neighborhood are on the northbound side.

Travel lanes are unevenly sized as a left turn approaches the intersection. South of the intersection, travel lanes become three even lanes. The median transitions from four feet north of the intersection to 14 feet south of the intersection.

The E 53rd Avenue intersection is unsignalized and terminates onto Peoria Street. There are no painted crosswalks.

Northbound sidewalk conditions are poor with conditions similar to previous sections. Southbound sidewalks are fair; however intersecting driveways create a pedestrian hazard.


Peoria Street Sidewalk Conditions Looking South to E 53rd Avenue




Number of Lanes 3 +1LT 2








Key Priorities:


• E 53rd Avenue has no painted crosswalks or pedestrian signals




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Detail Map 5: Peoria StreetNo formal intersections are present in this section. One commercial use driveway intersects the southern end of the section.

Southbound travel lanes are uniform with three lanes. Northbound lanes include a left turn that terminates and two unevenly sized general lanes.

The median in this section is 14 feet wide for the majority of the section. The median reduces to 4 feet at a driveway to allow for a northbound left-turn lane.

Northbound sidewalk conditions are poor with conditions similar to previous sections. Southbound sidewalks are fair; however intersecting driveways create a pedestrian hazard.


Peoria Street Sidewalk Conditions Looking South to E 53rd Avenue












Key Priorities:



• No east/west pedestrian crossings indicated by signs, signals, or striping are in this location



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Detail Map 6: Peoria Street E 51st Avenue AreaPeoria Street intersects E 51st Avenue on the southern end of this section. E 51st Avenue is a signalized intersection that terminates onto Peoria Street. A driveway serving commercial uses is on the west side of the intersection. Painted crosswalks are present on only on the north and east sides of the intersection.

Travel lanes in this section are generally three general purpose with a left turn lane. Traveling north, northbound lanes narrow to two uneven size lanes with a left turn lane for driveways as seen in previous sections.

Northbound sidewalk conditions are poor with uneven texture and cracking. Also, utility boxes create obstructions in the pedestrian ROW. Southbound sidewalks are in good condition and are larger in width here than in previous sections. Curb ramps appear to have been renovated and are generally in good condition.

Peoria Street and E 51st Avenue Intersection




Number of Lanes 3 +1LT 3+1LT, 2+1LT


Traffic Signals/ITS Active - E 51st Avenue


Sidewalk Conditions Good Poor


Transit Service Route 121 Route 121



Transit service is provided by Metrolocal Route 121 traveling north and southbound on Peoria Street and turning east on E 51st Avenue.

Key Priorities:


• Small pedestrian medians do not provide adequate refuge from traffic

• Traffic Signals recently updated to mast arms from span wire.

• Local bus routes in this location provide multimodal connectivity



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Detail Map 7: Peoria StreetThere are no formal intersections in this section. A driveway serving commercial uses intersects the roadway in the souther portion of the section.

Travel lanes consist of three general purpose with a left turn lane approaching the driveway intersection.

Northbound sidewalk conditions are poor with uneven texture and cracking. Southbound sidewalks are in good condition. There are no painted crosswalks in this section.


Transit service is provided by Metrolocal Route 121 traveling north and southbound on Peoria Street. Each side of Peoria Street has a transit stop in the northern area of this section. The closest safe pedestrian crossing would be approximately 175-200 feet north at the East 51st Avenue intersection. Transit stops are pole signs with no shade structures. A bench is present at the southbound stop.

Peoria Street and E 51st Avenue Intersection




Number of Lanes 3 +1LT 3+1LT, 2+1LT


Traffic Signals/ITS Active - E 51st Avenue






Key Priorities:


• Local bus routes and stops in this location provide multimodal connectivity

• No east/west pedestrian crossings in this section. Transit riders utilizing the stops must walk north to E 51st Avenue or south to E49th Avenue/Andrews Drive for safe east/west crossing



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Detail Map 8: Peoria Street and E 49th Avenue/Andrews Drive AreaThe intersection of E 49th Avenue/Andrews Drive and Peoria Street is a major intersection for traffic and drainage infrastructure. In late 2018 and early 2019, ADA ramps and signals were upgraded to current standards to improve pedestrian safety and mobility.

Travel lanes consist of three general purpose with a left-turn lane.

Northbound sidewalk conditions are poor with uneven texture and cracking both north and south of the intersection. Southbound sidewalks are in good condition. The intersection contains a drainage culvert that provides pedestrian refuge while crossing the roadway. Sidewalk and curb cuts on these medians are both in generally good condition.


Transit service is provided by Metrolocal Route 121 traveling north and southbound on Peoria Street Transit stops are pole signs with no shade structures.

Andrews Drive Curb Ramp






Traffic Signals/ITS Active - E 49th Ave/ Andrews Dr.






Key Priorities:


• E 49th Avenue/Andrews Drive crossing could be difficult for some pedestrians and bicyclists

• Crosswalks and curb cuts are in good condition



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Detail Map 9: Peoria Street There are no formal intersections in this section. There is one driveway present on the northbound side of the roadway, however the parcel it serves is vacant.

Travel lanes consist of three general purpose lanes with a left turn lane. The median is generally 14 feet wide but reduces to 4 feet when a turn lane is added.

Northbound sidewalk conditions are poor with uneven texture and cracking. Southbound sidewalks are in good condition.


Transit service is provided by Metrolocal Route 121 traveling north and southbound on Peoria Street There are no transit stops in this section.

Peoria Street and Andrews Drive Looking North






Traffic Signals/ITS Active - E 49th Ave/ Andrews Dr.






Key Priorities:


• There are no marked or signalized pedestrian crossings in this section; however a large median provides pedestrians some refuge



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Detail Map 10: Peoria Street There are no formal intersections in this section. Four driveways intersect the roadway serving residential and commercial uses.

Travel lanes consist of three general purpose with a left turn lane. The median travels the length of this section with a single gap to serve commercial buildings in the northern end.

Both north and southbound sidewalks are in good condition and are approximately 8 feet in width.


Transit service is provided by Metrolocal Route 121 traveling north and southbound on Peoria Street A single transit stop is present on the northbound side of Peoria Street serving the adjacent apartment complex.

Peoria Street Looking South to E 47th Avenue








Sidewalk Conditions Good Good




Key Priorities:

• Sidewalk conditions are generally good, however provide inadequate space for multimodal use

• No east/west pedestrian crossings in this section, transit riders utilizing the stops must walk south to E 47th Avenue/Albrook Drive for safe east/west crossing

• Multiple driveways on the east side of Peoria Street create hazards for pedestrian and bicyclists



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Detail Map 11: Peoria Street and E 47th Avenue/Albrook Drive Area The E 47th Avenue/Albrook Drive intersection is signalized with traffic cameras. In late 2018 and early 2019, ADA ramps and signals were upgraded to current standards to improve pedestrian mobility.

Southbound travel lanes include a right-turn, two through, and a left-turn lane at the E 47th Street intersection. Northbound lanes include two left-turn lanes and three through lanes, with the far right lane also functioning as a right-turn lane. South of the intersection, lane configurations are generally three through lanes with a left-turn lane for both sides of the roadway.

Northbound sidewalk conditions are generally fair, and southbound conditions are good, however multiple driveways intersecting the pedestrian ROW serve as hazards for pedestrians. Curb ramps at the intersection appear to have been recently renovated and are generally in good condition.


Peoria Street looking north to E 47th Avenue

Category West East



Number of Lanes 1RT+2+1LT3 +1LT

2LT+33+1LT

Median Width 4’

Traffic Signals/ITS Active - E 47th Ave/ Albrook Dr.


Sidewalk Conditions Good Fair




Key Priorities:

• Sidewalk conditions are fair to good on both sides of Peoria Street

• Numerous driveways on both sides of the roadway in this section create hazards for multimodal use

• High traffic volume in this section poses risk to pedestrian and bicyclists

• Traffic and pedestrian signals have been recently upgraded


Two transit routes utilize Peoria Street local bus route 121 and 45. Route 45 turns south from Albrook Drive onto Peoria Street and continues south. There are no transit stops in this section.


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Detail Map 12: Peoria Street and E 46th Avenue AreaThe E 46th Avenue and Peoria Street intersection is unsignalized with no painted crosswalks. One driveway serving an office complex is north of the intersection.

Travel lanes consist of three general purpose with a left-turn lane. A gap in the median at E 46th Avenue provides for south and northbound left turns. The median width in this section is generally 4’ widening to 14’ north of the intersection.

North and southbound sidewalks are in good condition.


Two transit routes utilize Peoria Street local bus route 121 and 45 travelling north and south. There are no transit stops in this section.

Southbound Peoria Street and E 46th Avenue Looking North












Key Priorities:

• Sidewalk conditions are good on both sides of the roadway


• There are no traffic or pedestrian signals at the E 46th Avenue crossing

• No painted crosswalks in this location



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Detail Map 13: Peoria Street and E 45th Avenue AreaThe E 45th Avenue and Peoria Street intersection is another major signalized crossing in the corridor.

Southbound travel lanes include a right-turn, two through, and a left turn lane at the E47th Street intersection. Northbound lanes include two left-turn lanes and three through lanes, with the far right functioning as a right-turn lane. South of the intersection lane configurations are generally three through lanes with a left-turn lane for both sides of the roadway.

North and southbound sidewalks are in good condition.

The shared bike and pedestrian sidewalk continues from the previous section, however it terminates on the north side of E 45th Avenue.

Two transit routes utilize Peoria Street local bus route 121 and 45 travelling north and south. There are two transit stops in this section. Both include shelters and benches.

Peoria Street and E 45th Ave Looking South





Median Width 4’







Key Priorities:

• Sidewalk conditions are good on both sides of the roadway


• Crosswalks appear in good condition

• West approach right-turn slip poses a hazard to pedestrians



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Detail Map 14: Peoria Street and E 44th Avenue AreaIn this section, E 44th Avenue intersects and terminates onto Peoria Street. The west side of the intersection is a driveway serving businesses. A do-not-block box is striped in the egress of that intersection. There are no painted crosswalks at this intersection.

Travel lanes consist of 3 general purpose lanes southbound and 3 general purpose lanes northbound transitioning to add 2 left-turn lanes for the E 45th Avenue intersection.

A median is present that ranges in width from 4 to 14 feet.

North and southbound sidewalks are in good condition, and there is ample room for bus shelters at stops.

There are no designated bike facilities in this section.

Two transit routes utilize Peoria Street local bus route 121 and 45 travelling north and south. There are two transit stops in this section. Both include shelters and benches.

Peoria Street and E 44th Avenue Looking South











Source: Google, 2017

Key Priorities:

• Sidewalk on west side of Peoria Street between I-70 ramp and 44th Avenue are constructed with asphalt

• Sidewalk width is too narrow for multimodal use on the east side of Peoria Street

• Out of direction travel required for bicyclists and pedestrians traveling south of I-70 from the west side of Peoria Street. The last signalized crossing to access the east side path on the bridge over the railroad is at 45th Avenue.



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Detail Map 15: Peoria Street and I-70 AreaIn this section Peoria Street approaches westbound I-70 on and off-ramps. This section is covered by the CDOT Central 70 Project.

A signalized intersection is present for the I-70 access road.

Sidewalks end on both sides of Peoria Street north of I-70.



Peoria Street and E 44th Avenue Looking South

SB - Southbound ROW - Right-of-WayNB - Northbound SW - SidewalkLT - Left Turn Lane RT - Right Turn Lane


Street Profile Varies

Curb to Curb Width Varies

Number of Lanes 1SB Ramp + 2 2 + 1NB Ramp

Median Width 20’

Traffic Signals/ITS WB I-70 Access Road/Traffic Camera


Sidewalk Conditions -- Good/--

Sidewalk Width -- 8’

Transit Service Route 121, 45 Route 121, 45


Key Priorities:

• Coordinate with CDOT to ensure Central 70 project design is a part of rebuilding of I-70 bridge over Peoria Street. As part of the design, add multimodal path on east side of Peoria and sidewalk on west side of Peoria

• Upgrade signals and RRFBs at ramp crossing locations

• Tie in City and County of Denver design north of ramps into CDOT design which starts at the ramps



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Detail Map 16: Peoria Street and I-70 AreaIn this section Peoria Street intersects I-70. This section is covered by the CDOT Central 70 Project.

A signalized intersection is present for the I-70 access road.

Existing sidewalks here are in poor condition with some painted crosswalks.



Peoria Street and I-70


Street Profile Varies


Number of Lanes 1SB Ramp + 2 2 + 1NB Ramp

Median Width 20’

Traffic Signals/ITS EB I-70 Access Road/Traffic Camera


Sidewalk Conditions Poor Poor

Sidewalk Width



Key Priorities:

• Coordinate with CDOT to ensure Central 70 project design is a part of rebuilding of I-70 bridge over Peoria Street. As part of the design, add multimodal path on east side of Peoria and sidewalk on west side of Peoria

• Upgrade signals and RRFBs at ramp crossing locations



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Detail Map 17: Peoria Street and I-70 AreaIn this section Peoria Street is south of the I-70 intersection. A portion of this section is covered by the CDOT Central 70 Project.

There are no formal intersections in this section.

There are no existing sidewalks in this section.



Peoria Street and I-70 Looking North


Street Profile ROW Varies


Number of Lanes 2 + 1LT 2+1RT

Median Width --


Bike Facilities -- --

Sidewalk Conditions -- --

Sidewalk Width -- --



Key Priorities:

• Add multimodal path on east side of Peoria between 39th Street and I-70 ramp (currently there is no sidewalk)

• -Build new sidewalk on east side of Peoria between 39th Street and I-70 ramp (currently there is no sidewalk)

• Add bicycle and pedestrian crossing striping and consider RRFB at ramps



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Detail Map 18: Peoria Street and E 39th Avenue AreaIn this section Peoria Street intersects E 39th Avenue; a signalized intersection with traffic cameras and painted crosswalks.

Southbound travel lanes consist of a right-turn lane, two general purpose lanes, and a left-turn lane. Northbound lanes are the same configuration.

There is no median in this section.

There are no existing sidewalks north of the E 39th Avenue intersection. Sidewalks south of the intersection are in good condition.


Two transit routes utilize Peoria Street local bus route 121 and 45 travelling north and south. There are two transit stops in this section.

Peoria Street and E 39th Ave Looking North



Curb to Curb Width Approx. 80’

Number of Lanes 1RT+2+1LT 1RT+2+1LT

Median Width --

Traffic Signals/ITS E 39th Ave/Traffic Cameras






Key Priorities:

• Add signage to direct bicyclists and pedestrians to east side of Peoria for southbound access

• Improve 39th Avenue pedestrian crossings across Peoria

• Add multimodal path on east of Peoria side north of 39th (currently there is no sidewalk)

• Build new sidewalk on east side of Peoria north of 39th (currently there is no sidewalk)



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Detail Map 19: Peoria Street and E 38th Avenue AreaIn this section E 38th Avenue terminates on to Peoria Street. There is no signalization at this location and no east-west crosswalks.

North and southbound travel lanes consist of three general purpose lanes in each direction.

There is no median in this section.

Northbound sidewalks are in good condition. There are no sidewalks south on E 38th Ave on the southbound side of Peoria.


Two transit routes utilize Peoria Street local bus route 121 and 45 travelling north and south. A transit stop identified in the previous section is also captured here.

Peoria Street and E 38th Ave Looking South




Number of Lanes 3 3

Median Width --



Sidewalk Conditions Good/-- Good

Sidewalk Width 8’/-- 8’



Key Priorities:

• Wok with RTD to consider a bench at northbound bus stop at 38th Avenue

• Prioritize continuity of multimodal path on east side as it connects to the bridge over the railroad

• Consider adding a sidewalk on west side of Peoria south of 38thAvenue (this would be for local access only as it wouldn’t cross the railroad tracks)

• Add signage to direct bicyclists and pedestrians back to 39th Avenue signal to cross



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Detail Map 20: Peoria Street and E 37th Avenue AreaIn this section Peoria Street crosses E 37th Avenue, freight, and transit rail lines via an overpass. The Project Area ends at E 37th Avenue at the City and County of Denver limits.

North and southbound travel lanes consist of three general purpose lanes in each direction. These lanes are elevated on a bridge.

There is a small center median in this section.

Sidewalks on Peoria Street are only located on the east side of the bridge. Where Peoria Street intersects with E 37th Avenue, sidewalks are in good condition with a large pedestrian area under the bridge.


Two transit routes utilize Peoria Street local bus route 121 and 45 travelling north and south. A transit stop is located along Smith Road, in the southern portion of the section. Peoria Station is approximately 850 feet west of Peoria Street in this location.

Peoria Street and E 33rd Avenue Looking North




Number of Lanes 3 3

Median Width --



Sidewalk Conditions -- Good

Sidewalk Width -- 8’



Key Priorities:

• Bicycle and pedestrian wayfinding signage to RTD Peoria Station

• Coordination with Aurora and RTD on continuity of design



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Conclusion

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This report has documented the existing situation on Peoria Street to provide a framework for the next phase of this design project. Key priorities identified in the report are based on physical conditions in relation to the project goals. Priorities will be reviewed and supplemented via a community engagement project.

Lack of continuous multimodal facilities make it difficult for people to navigate on foot and on bicycles. The next step in the process is to develop a range of concept designs for the trail, safety improvements along the corridor and connecting to the I-70 interchange improvements, transit connection concepts, and potential drainage issue improvements. The range of concept improvements will be evaluated by community stakeholders prior to more detailed design.

Peoria Multimodal Improvements - Denver · 2019-09-06 · The Peoria Multimodal Improvements...

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Transcript of Peoria Multimodal Improvements - Denver · 2019-09-06 · The Peoria Multimodal Improvements...