Walnut Street Corridor Improvements

Community Open House - March 5, 2020

River North Brewery - Blake Street Taproom (3400 Blake Street)

On March 5, 2020, DOTI and the Walnut Street team held a public meeting at River North Brewery to provide to and gather information from the community about the proposed conversion of Walnut St to two-way operation as identified in many local planning documents. There were 48 attendees from the general public. A previous meeting was held for invited stakeholders from local businesses and organizations. The meeting was an open house format with stations for attendees to talk with project team members. Boards with project background, project area/existing conditions, and additional study locations (via dot exercise) were available for discussion/input. No presentation took place, but comment cards were provided to attendees. The input provided is summarized in the Community Open House Summary in the link below.

Community Open House Summary(PDF, 12MB)

Evaluate the current and future conditions of Walnut Street, including future developments along the corridor, to determine the feasibility of converting Walnut Street from a one-way to a two-way street.

Two-Way Conversion Study - July 2019

The city conducted a full study of traffic conditions to determine the complete needs for Walnut Street along this stretch, including a possible two-way conversion. The study considered residential and commercial demand on the roadway as well as future development.

Read the final study(PDF, 18MB)

November 2017 Open House

February 2018 Open House

May 2018 Open House

Materials

• Cross section boards(PDF, 22MB)
• Project schedule(PDF, 448KB)

Why is the conversion of Walnut Street to two-way being studied?

Converting Walnut Street from a one-way street to a two-way street was identified in the Northeast Downtown Neighborhoods Plan (NEDN) to help improve connectivity in the River North neighborhood. The NEDN Plan|Next Steps Study recommended further study of the corridor.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and costs associated with converting Walnut Street to a two-way configuration. The study will review operational, parking, and pedestrian changes that may be required to convert the roadway. During the study the City will also engage the public for input on the project and goals for the corridor.

When will the conversion of Walnut Street to two-way take place?

The conversion of Walnut Street is not currently identified in the City’s annual capital improvements program. This initial study will be completed in the summer of 2018 to better understand the changes necessary to achieve a two-way street and the timing for implementation. The study will also develop examples of a typical two-way roadway that could be constructed with development along the corridor.

How much will reconstructing Walnut Street cost?

The two-way conversion of Walnut Street is currently not funded. The current study will provide a cost estimate for the conversion so that the City can begin to identify funding.

Install “curb stops” to define parking and walking spaces from Broadway to 36th Street. These dividers are similar to the concrete blocks cars park against in parking lots. They are typically rectangular in shape and made of hard plastic or other material.

Final Plan Set - Walnut Street, Broadway to Downing Street(PDF, 7MB)

January 2017 - 60% plans(PDF, 3MB)

December 2016: Made in RiNo Holiday Fair

January 2017 Open House

April 2017 Open House

Open House Meeting Boards(PDF, 11MB)

What about sidewalks?

Phase I will not build curb, gutter, or sidewalks. These full improvements will be considered in Phase II's future design recommendation. 

How will the curb stops work?

The curb stops define space for people to walk and prevent cars from entering areas designated for pedestrians. They will also help direct drivers to appropriate parking spaces without obstructing traffic.

When will the conversion of Walnut Street to two-way take place?

The city will begin to study the potential to convert Walnut Street to two-way operations in late Spring 2017. This study will help us understand the changes necessary to achieve a two-way street.

Additionally, the study will provide a cost estimate for the conversion, so the city can begin to identify funding. The two-way conversion of Walnut Street is currently not funded.