Denver converts one-way streets to two-way, causing confusion

Residents say they had little notice before 13th and 14th Avenues changed, leading to near head-on collisions.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The City of Denver's Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) converted a 16-block stretch of East 13th and 14th Avenues from one-way to two-way traffic, but some residents say they had little advance notice of the change. On the first day, several drivers were seen traveling the wrong way, creating tense moments and near-collisions with vehicles going the correct direction. The city says the change is permanent and part of an effort to slow traffic, but some residents are critical of the rollout, saying more communication and preparation was needed.

Why it matters

The sudden conversion of these major thoroughfares in the East Colfax neighborhood has caused confusion and safety concerns among residents, highlighting the importance of clear communication and planning when making significant changes to a community's infrastructure.

The details

DOTI says it communicated with local community groups about the upcoming changes, but some residents like Rob say they received no notice. On the first day, several drivers continued traveling in the left lane as if the roads were still one-way, leading to near head-on encounters. The city says the change is part of a permanent redesign to slow traffic, as two people were killed in crashes on these streets in the last five years. Speed data found most drivers were exceeding the 30 mph limit, so the new speed limit is 25 mph.

  • The conversion began on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.
  • DOTI released a press statement announcing the change on Thursday, February 20, 2026, a full day after it had already taken effect.

The players

Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI)

The city agency responsible for the conversion of 13th and 14th Avenues from one-way to two-way traffic.

Rob

A resident who lives off 13th Street and was critical of the lack of notice and preparation for the changes.

Shontel Lewis

A Denver city councilmember who posted an emergency PSA criticizing the rollout of the two-way conversion.

Geana Mustain

A resident who lives off 14th Avenue and was unaware the change had already taken effect.

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What they’re saying

“If you're gonna change something, at least give proper notice and put out something big and obvious — whether that's a barrier or signage or something.”

— Rob, Resident (9news.com)

“Safety was the goal, and the way in which it was executed actually put folks in unsafe conditions.”

— Shontel Lewis, Denver City Councilmember (9news.com)

“I mean I'm no city planner, but I'm just really baffled... It's in a lot of people's just muscle memory, so they're gonna need a lot of stuff to like really remind people that it's two-way now.”

— Geana Mustain, Resident (9news.com)

What’s next

DOTI says it will monitor the installation and make adjustments if necessary, typically waiting about six months for traffic patterns to normalize before collecting follow-up speed and volume data.

The takeaway

This sudden change in traffic patterns highlights the importance of clear and timely communication with residents when making significant infrastructure updates, in order to ensure a smooth transition and maintain public safety.