Niwot Underpass Project Awaits Boulder County's Response

Underpass Committee seeks clarity on funding options and next steps for proposed pedestrian underpass connecting Niwot Park-n-Ride to downtown

Mar. 25, 2026 at 12:00am

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The Niwot Underpass Committee met on March 20, 2026 to discuss the next steps for a proposed pedestrian underpass project that would connect the Niwot Park-n-Ride facility north of Niwot Road to downtown Niwot. The committee is waiting for Boulder County to provide answers to technical questions about the project's design options and funding sources, including whether regional transportation funds through DRCOG may be available.

Why it matters

The underpass project aims to improve pedestrian safety and connectivity between the Park-n-Ride and downtown Niwot, but funding constraints at the county level have stalled progress. The committee is exploring all options to secure the necessary funding to move the project forward, as it is seen as an important community priority.

The details

The Underpass Committee reviewed four design options for the project, with the preferred Option 4 including an underpass beneath both the railroad tracks and Highway 119. However, Option 4 is also the most expensive at $13.3 million. The other options range from $5.1 million to $6.3 million but would require an at-grade railroad crossing. The committee has technical questions about the cost estimates and design tradeoffs that they are waiting for the county to address. Funding sources being explored include DRCOG regional transportation funds, which would require a 20% local match from Niwot.

  • The Underpass Committee last met in October 2025 to discuss the project.
  • On March 20, 2026, the committee met to discuss next steps.

The players

Claire Levy

Boulder County Commissioner who noted the county's responsibility to bring the design to the 15% review standard.

Steven Humphrey

Design Project Manager who provided cost estimates for the four design options.

Danny Hermann

Deputy Director of Transportation Planning with Boulder County who stated that Niwot would need to provide a 20% local match if DRCOG funds were used.

Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Committee

The committee that has expressed a preference for the more expensive Option 4 design.

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What they’re saying

“Option 4 is not the most cost-effective option compared to alternatives, but it responds to the community's request to provide a safe and more direct path between the Niwot Road Park-n-Ride and downtown Niwot, balancing the higher cost with the long-term value of meeting community transportation and safety needs.”

— Claire Levy, Boulder County Commissioner

What’s next

The Underpass Committee's next steps involve securing answers from Boulder County to the technical questions raised in October 2025, as well as receiving clarity on potential funding deadlines and availability through DRCOG. The committee expects these answers within the week to maintain project momentum.

The takeaway

The Niwot Underpass project highlights the challenges of securing funding for important community infrastructure projects, even when there is strong local support. The committee is working to navigate the bureaucratic and financial hurdles to find a path forward that balances costs with the long-term benefits to pedestrian safety and connectivity.