Frequently Asked Questions

Purpose & Need
  • What is a purpose and need statement and what role does it play in a project?
    • A Purpose and Need Statement describes what a project is seeking to accomplish and why it is necessary. Potential improvements, including a No Action alternative are evaluated against the Purpose and Need, leading to the selection of a Proposed Action.
  • Are the elements of the purpose and need in a hierarchy of importance, or varying levels of priority?
    • The needs identified in the Purpose and Need statement are not listed in priority – and each one must be reasonably addressed for a project alternative to move into the environmental process.
  • Why are environmental issues and goals not part of the purpose and need?
    • This project addresses environmental issues in two ways. First, through the federal environmental process which requires an assessment of impacts to environmental resources – and strategies to avoid, minimize, or mitigate for those impacts. Second, project goals are additional considerations brought forward by the agencies, stakeholders and public that are important to the community and might be able to be addressed in part or whole by the project alternatives. Goals are of lesser importance than the project needs because they are not the reason the project is being undertaken but are considered seriously by the lead agency when selecting the Preferred Alternative.
  • Are vehicle operations part of the project’s purpose and need?
    • The purpose and need statement for this project does consider improvements to both operations and safety for all modes of the transportation network on I-25, Speer and 23rd as critical needs.
  • Who does all road users include?
    • All road users means anyone who would be using the transportation network (travel lanes, sidewalks, bike lanes) on foot, bike, car, freight, transit, etc.
Alternatives
  • What is a recommended alternative?
    • A recommended alternative is a package of improvements that appear to best achieve the Purpose and Need and goals of the project, but that needs additional review and input to confirm the technical team has made the correct recommendation.
  • How was the recommended alternative chosen?
    • The recommended alternative was chosen by evaluating potential improvements against screening criteria to determine the design, safety, and operational performance of each. It may still be modified or refined based on additional public, stakeholders and federal agency input.
  • What is the recommended alternative for Speer Boulevard and 23rd Avenue?
    • The recommended alternative includes a Diverging Diamond Interchange at Speer Boulevard and a Braided Ramp interchange configuration at 23rd Avenue. The recommended alternative combines these two locations into one interchange complex that will be carried forward into the NEPA process.
  • What is a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI)?
    • In a Diverging Diamond Interchange, traffic lanes will “cross over” each other to travel across the bridge on the left-side of the road (opposite the normal right-side driving). The cross over will occur at both sides of the bridge at traffic signals. An example of this can be found at US 36 and McCaslin Boulevard.
      This design eliminates the need for traditional left-turns at the traffic signals, which improves vehicle operations and safety.
    • DDIs can allow for separated bike and pedestrian facilities through the center of the bridge. DDIs improve bike and pedestrian safety by removing left turn conflicts with traveling vehicles.
  • Does the Braid alternative at 23rd Avenue address bike and pedestrian safety?
    • Yes. There are a number of current safety concerns for cyclists and pedestrians across I-25 on 23rd Avenue. Some examples include: a free left turn from west-bound 23rd to south-bound I-25, a gap in the sidewalk that does not meet accessibility standards, no south side sidewalk, east bound cyclists sharing a lane with vehicles, and more. By using turn signals, developing separated bike lanes, having sidewalks on both sides, and other treatments, this crossing will be safer and more comfortable for both bikers and pedestrians.
Local Area Considerations
  • Will the recommended alternative impact access to businesses, neighborhoods, and other destinations in the area?
    • The recommended alternative was selected in part because it best avoided property and access impacts for the surrounding property owners and businesses. Impacts are likely during construction, but the recommended alternative will still provide full access at both 23rd Avenue and Speer Boulevard.
  • How does the recommended alternative affect bikers, pedestrians and micro-mobility users?
    • The package of improvements also includes improved bicycle and pedestrian facilities throughout the interchange complexes at Speer Boulevard and 23rd Avenue as well as new facilities where none exist today, like the extension of the promenade from Speer and Zuni to 15th and Central.
  • Is this study taking into consideration future development in the area, like the River Mile?
    • Yes, the traffic analysis analyzed both a 2050 traffic volume scenario as well as full build out of the developments planned at River Mile, Ball Arena and Diamond Hill.
Community Engagement
  • How have you engaged local residents and organizations about the alternatives analysis?

    • The project team has engaged community members in a variety of ways and interacted with a variety of stakeholders.

      • In 2024 over 1,300 emails and comments were submitted regarding the alternatives.
      • The project team participated in numerous community events, hosted by RNOs and community organizations.
      • The project team distributed e-newsletters to our listserv of almost 600 community members.
      • The project’s Stakeholder Focus Group represents neighborhood groups, businesses, non-profits, and other interest-groups.
      • The project team accepted an invitation to meet with a self-convened group including the Children’s Museum, the Denver Aquarium, small businesses, RNOs, and other local organizations. The project team also offered one-on-one meetings to all members of the stakeholder focus group.
      • The project team offered one-on-one meetings with all stakeholder focus group organizations.
      • The project team has also engaged with Denver City Council members.

  • When is the next engagement opportunity to learn more about the project?

    • The project team will be hosting a second Public Open House at the CDOT Headquarters in Denver in the fall of 2025. The public meeting materials will also be available online. A survey relating to the public meeting information will be available online.

  • How can I provide my input?

    • To provide your input or comments, please send the project team an email at [email protected].