City Removes Concrete Barriers From West Colorado Avenue

City planners in Colorado Springs have removed concrete barriers from crosswalks on West Colorado Avenue.

The removal is part of a year-long project that includes lane realignment and new pedestrian options. These physical changes were installed last month but have already been modified based on public comments. The concrete structures formed a solid wall that blocked sightlines for pedestrians, particularly shorter individuals. Ryan Phipps, the city's capital improvements manager, noted that the barriers were temporary but still created visibility problems for those walking along the street.

Emergency responders also influenced the final design. First responders reported that drivers maneuvering to make way for vehicles were creating blockades in the center pedestrian refuge areas. To ensure fire and police units could access the avenue, the city scaled back these refuge sections. Phipps described the adjustments as a search for better options rather than a correction of errors, emphasizing the need to test how the design performs in practice.

Local businesses along the corridor are monitoring the changes closely. Joe Kliche, manager of Centennial Cuts, a shop selling Colorado beef, said the store relies on customers reaching its door. The business is the only brick and mortar location for the family's ranch in Fowler, Colorado, which is now in its third generation. Kliche noted that the store serves both local shoppers and tourists, making road and parking changes a practical concern. He expressed approval for the center lane parking, which aids in loading and unloading, though he described the new street stanchions as unusual.

The latest updates mark a reset for this phase of the trial period. City planners are now seeking further feedback to determine if the revised designs are effective. The project continues to involve adjustments to parking and pedestrian infrastructure as the city evaluates what is working in the field.