Project Background

Since the original interchange at US 6 (also known as 6th Avenue) and Wadsworth Boulevard was constructed in the 1950s, the Denver Metro Area has seen explosive population growth resulting in an increase in crashes and congestion across the region. CDOT began planning efforts to improve the interchange more than 15 years ago after determining the interchange was no longer able to meet existing and future transportation needs for Metro and visiting travelers.

An Environmental Assessment (EA) was completed for the project in 2009 to analyze impacts of the proposed improvements. In March 2010, a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was issued by the Federal Highway Administration, which concluded the project does not have significant environmental effect and allowed the project to move forward.

Design and construction of these planned improvements have been occurring since 2014, with individual project phases being conducted as funding was identified.

• Phase 1: Wadsworth from 10th Avenue to West Colfax Avenue – Construction completed in 2015
• Phase 2: Wadsworth from 10th Avenue to Highland Drive – Construction completed in 2020
• Phase 3: Southwest Quadrant Improvements – Construction completed January 2025
• Phase 4: Interchange Reconstruction – Construction October 2026 through late 2029
• Phase 5: 12th Avenue/Wadsworth Boulevard Water Quality Pond – Construction completed in 2025