Denver’s generally well-received shared street program will continue through the new year with some changes that will help snowplows during the winter months, city officials announced Wednesday.
The idea began shortly after the coronavirus pandemic hit the city as a way to offer cohabiting residents new places to stretch their legs, ride a bike, and interact with each other at a safe distance. And, for the most part, residents have received the pleasure of closing streets to most cars, although some have complained about traffic disruption.
The program will continue during the winter season, city spokeswoman Heather Burke said in a press release. And some signs designating shared streets will soon be replaced with heavier, water-filled barriers and other obstacles that snowplows can maneuver more easily.
These changes will begin in the following stretches, Burke said:
- East 11th Avenue from Sherman Street to Humboldt Street (west of Cheesman Park)
- East 16th Avenue from Lincoln Street to City Park Esplanade
- Bayaud Avenue from Sherman Streets to Downing
- 30th Street, from Welton to Larimer
And meanwhile, city officials will remove shared street designations on Franklin and Irving streets, which have not been used much, in favor of new locations, yet to be determined, according to Burke.
City officials will re-examine the success of the program closer to spring, Burke said, and determine the next steps.
A complete list of Denver shared streets can be found online at denvergov.org.