Study to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and injuries on 287 plus a call for input
US 287 Vision Zero Safety & Mobility Study
Image from the cover of the US 287 Vision Zero Safety and Mobility Study
Here’s a quick overview of the plethora of studies related to transportation and improving safety on US 287 that have been in the works over the last few years. I’ve also included some of the findings and proposed solutions from the Vision Zero study as they relate to Lafayette in particular. Take a look at the document for more information, it’s 76 pages long and full of maps and graphics.
Keep in mind these are recommendations at this point and come with significant costs. Hopefully they give you a glimpse into what improvements are being considered for US 287 in the near and long term.
I also want to draw your attention to an opportunity to provide input through August 31st.
SHARE YOUR INPUT THROUGH AUGUST 31ST
Comment on an interactive map and take a survey.
US 287 VISION ZERO SAFETY AND MOBILITY STUDY
Boulder County in partnership with the Colorado Department of Transportation, Lafayette, Erie, Broomfield, and Longmont conducted a study called the US 287 Vision Zero Safety & Mobility Study.
The study area is 24 miles, from the intersection of US 287 & US 36 in Broomfield in the south to US 287 & the Boulder County/Larimer County line in the north.
The study’s goal is to improve multimodal travel to align with future bus rapid transit plans and eliminate traffic-related fatalities and injuries. Recommendations include rumble strips, center median barriers, traffic signal timing improvements and a Walk-Bike Path.
US 287 BUS RAPID TRANSIT (BRT) FEASIBILITY STUDY
Phase 1 of the Vision Zero study, completed in 2022 is the US 287 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Feasibility Study. The study states “The objective of this US 287 BRT Feasibility Study is to define and understand the north-south mobility needs along US 287 and recommend specific capital and transit service enhancements for the corridor.”
THE STATE HIGHWAY 7 PRIORITY 1A PRECONSTRUCTION PROJECT
Jump to June 2024. The Lafayette City Council approved funding for plans to create a preliminary design for a BRT superstation at Lucerne and 287. This will include examining the feasibility of an underpass in that location. I wrote about it here: “Potential Bus Rapid Transit superstation and underpass at 287 and Lucerne”
US 287 STUDY NEED
US 287 STUDY FINDINGS
MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS
A center median barrier is recommended from Arapahoe Road to Prospect Road.
CONCEPTUAL DESIGNS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
See the study starting on page 54 for other locations.
Want to offer more support? Awesome!
Karen - 287 is a large highway and a major corridor that extends North for hundreds of miles and eventually makes its way near the Tetons. The volume of traffic that it now must handle precludes thinking about biking along this road or for that matter having multiple intersections with pedestrians crossing. Drivers readily travel at speeds in excess of 60 MPH. Most folks would apprciate crossing bridges - this is not a small town boulevard...
This is such an important topic (Hwy 287) and one that my husband and I often discuss. Thank you for sharing that this has been in discussions and for sharing the report. I hope they can do something quickly to cut down on the number of accidents!