Pedestrian Crossing Project

Colorado Highway 66 & County Road 7 Pedestrian Crossing Project

In August 2019, the Town of Mead received a federal grant to fund the design and construction of a grade-separated pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Colorado Highway (CO) 66 and Weld County Road (WCR) 7. A grade-separated crossing is a trail that would either go under CO 66 or over CO 66, allowing pedestrians and cyclists a safer, more convenient connection to the north and south sides of CO 66. Design is currently underway for the crossing, and following a thorough alternatives analysis, the underpass option was chosen for this location. In addition to the design and construction of the underpass, this project will provide a trail along the west side of WCR 7, connecting at the north end to the current pedestrian trail just south of Hunter’s Cove Road and connecting at the south end to the sidewalk on the north side of Branding Iron Way, at the Liberty Ranch neighborhood.

Improved Safety: By separating pedestrians from vehicular traffic, underpasses reduce the risk of accidents and collisions, providing a safer environment for pedestrians to cross busy roads.

Uninterrupted Flow: Pedestrian underpasses allow continuous traffic flow for vehicles and pedestrians. This reduces congestion and delays caused by pedestrian crossings at street level.

Accessibility and Inclusivity: Underpasses provide accessible pathways for people with mobility challenges, including those using wheelchairs, mobility aids, and parents with strollers.

Aesthetic Appeal: Underpasses can be designed creatively with architectural elements, beautifying the surrounding landscape.

Increased Pedestrian Usage: Provides a safe, efficient means of crossing busy roads and encourages more people to walk and cycle, promoting a healthier lifestyle and reducing reliance on vehicles, which benefits the environment.

Project Need & Goal

The following steps have been completed: