Land Use Changes Could Improve Walkability Along Bus Rapid Transit Corridor in Denver

Denver is working on plans for an ambitious new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project on East Colfax Avenue, a major commercial corridor to the east of Downtown Denver.

“Planners expect [the BRT route] to open in 2026, and officials say it will speed up public transportation along Colfax, transform parts of the street and promote economic growth,” reports Rebecca Tauber in an article for Denverite.

In addition to street configuration and service design questions, Colfax planners are also hoping to include land use planning changes to optimize the benefit of the new system, according to Tauber.

City councilmembers Chris Hinds and Amanda Sawyer recently proposed zoning changes that rezone a long stretch of Colfax Avenue (between Broadway and Yosemite Street) to prioritize walkability, according to the article.

The proposed zoning changes “would include restrictions on things like drive-thrus, storage facilities and carwashes in order to promote businesses facing future BRT stops that cater to pedestrians,” according to Tauber. “The zoning also includes a setback – building a set number of feet back for better sidewalk access – and other design guidelines at the street level. The plan does not include every parcel but focuses on wide ones near BRT stops. It also only applies to new developments. It would not change parking requirements or allow for building uses currently prohibited along Colfax.”

According to city website for the East Colfax Avenue Bus Rapid Transit project, planning for the project is in the final design phase, working to refine station designs, streetscaping, logo design, and conducting curbside safety analysis, among other tasks. The Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure is leading the project.