Boulder to Upgrade Intersection Signals For Safer Travel

Work to improve safety for all, particularly for people at higher risk when walking or biking

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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The City of Boulder is beginning construction on a set of grant-funded projects to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries at three key intersections: Baseline Road and Broadway, Baseline Road and Mohawk Avenue, and Folsom Street and Pine Street. The upgrades will primarily improve signals, including protected left-turn and right-turn phasing, dedicated turn lanes, smart signals that operate based on multimodal traffic conditions, adjusted crossing times for people to cross the street in one signal cycle, and accessibility improvements to curb ramps.

Why it matters

Compared to the rest of the city, these locations have either a higher risk for crashes overall or a history of serious or fatal crashes, especially for people walking and biking. The upgrades are part of the city's Vision Zero goal to eliminate all fatal and serious injury crashes, reduce other types of crashes, and improve travel safety and comfort.

The details

The projects are funded by a Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant awarded to the city in 2021. HSIP grants are administered locally through the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Travelers can expect one-lane closures for vehicles and detours for people biking and walking, with impacts posted to Cone Zones. Work is weather-dependent and scheduled through spring 2026, with most impacts anticipated for April and May.

  • Work is scheduled to begin in March 2026.
  • Most impacts are anticipated for April and May 2026.
  • The projects are scheduled to be completed by spring 2026.

The players

City of Boulder

The local government of Boulder, Colorado, which is undertaking the intersection upgrade projects.

Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)

The state transportation agency that is administering the HSIP grants for the intersection upgrade projects.

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What they’re saying

“Grants are an essential source of funding for local transportation projects and support achieving the Boulder community's Vision Zero goal to eliminate all fatal and serious injury crashes, reduce other types of crashes, and improve travel safety and comfort.”

— Aisha Ozaslan, Media Relations (bouldercolorado.gov)

“Some locations also have additional planned work in the future as part of the Core Arterial Network (CAN): a citywide roadway redesign effort to make key streets safer, more comfortable, and more connected.”

— Ericka Amador, Senior Transportation Planner (bouldercolorado.gov)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.