May 14, 2026 - Transit

Colorado Boulevard BRT's plan draws massive public interest

Esteban L. Hernandez

Crowded workshop around a long table with a large city map covered in colorful Post-it notes. Foreground shows a woman with short black hair and a man with long blond hair studying the board. — People discussing the proposed Colorado Boulevard BRT during an open house at Clayton Early Learning in Denver. Photo: Esteban L. Hernandez

A wall-sized map of Colorado Boulevard turned into a public venting session on Wednesday evening.

Zoom in: Residents dotted the map with comments on colorful sticky notes — including multiple "NO!!" — during an open house hosted by the state transportation department about its proposed bus rapid transit line (BRT).

Hundreds gathered to fill out surveys and corner transportation officials to weigh in on the controversial project.

Why it matters: That collective public opinion will help determine how CDOT remakes the corridor, where advocates say dedicated bus lanes could improve safety.

State of play: CDOT is considering three options for the 7-mile route stretching from 40th Avenue to Hampden Avenue, but only two provide dedicated bus lanes.

Bus-only lanes down the middle.
Bus-only lanes along the sides.
A "mixed-use" option with no dedicated bus lanes.

What they're saying: "We're eliminating two lanes to take people nowhere," resident Donna Sims tells Axios, noting she opposes the project.

The other side: Jill Locantore, executive director of Denver Streets Partnership, a project supporter, tells us the dedicated bus lane will improve traffic safety by reinforcing safe speeds.

The mixed-flow option "won't solve anything," she adds.

What's next: CDOT will pick its preferred BRT option this summer.

Feedback can be submitted online.

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Colorado Boulevard BRT's plan draws massive public interest

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