City Removes Concrete Barriers From Avenue After Sightline Complaints

Concrete barriers have been removed from crosswalks on West Colorado Avenue in Colorado Springs as part of an ongoing redesign that has lasted one year.

City planners recently modified the protected crosswalks that were installed last month. The changes include the removal of the initial concrete barriers and a reduction of the center pedestrian refuge areas. These adjustments follow a period of public feedback regarding the new street layout, which also includes lane realignment and parking adjustments.

Ryan Phipps, the city's capital improvements manager, described the project as a continuous process of testing and adjustment. He stated that the city is evaluating what is working and what is not performing as originally anticipated. Phipps noted that the barriers, while temporary, created a solid wall of concrete that blocked sightlines for pedestrians, particularly those who are shorter.

First responders also provided input on the design. Phipps explained that drivers attempting to pull over for emergency vehicles sometimes created a blockade at the refuge areas. The city removed those specific sections to ensure that fire and police units have necessary access to move up and down the avenue. Phipps characterized the changes as a search for better options rather than a correction of errors, describing the current phase as tweaking and balancing the design.

Local businesses are monitoring the changes closely. Joe Kliche, manager of Centennial Cuts, a shop selling Colorado beef, said the store relies on customers being able to reach its door. The company raises its cattle on a family ranch in Fowler, Colorado, which is now in its third generation. Kliche noted that the store is the single brick-and-mortar location for the brand's products, which attract both local shoppers and tourists.

Kliche said he supports the center lane for parking because it aids in loading and unloading. However, managers had expected more additional parking along the corridor. He described the stanchions rising in the middle of the street as a little weird, noting that reactions to the crosswalk changes have been mixed among business owners.

The latest updates reset this portion of the trial period. City planners are now asking for further feedback to determine if the current configuration is effective.