City eyes new look for notorious Vasquez intersection

City Hall is looking at a makeover for a problematic intersection well known to Commerce City residents and to the metro area at large. At Monday’s twice-monthly study session, City Council members expressed support for moving ahead with the project. 

There are currently six entrances to the intersection at Vasquez Boulevard and 62nd Avenue, and the pending redesign aims to eliminate the chaotic nature of traffic navigating the intersection. The goal is to narrow it down to a more conventional intersection.

The Colorado Department of Transportation, which is spearheading the project alongside the city, said a new approach is sorely needed and people are ready for the change.

Council member Susan Noble said the project evoked some nostalgia for the notorious intersection. 

“It makes me sad because this has been one of the most unique intersections in all of the region, and we’re pretty famous for it,” Noble said.

Yet, others mused about the possibility of additional improvements. 

“This is a DIC (disproportionately impacted community). We need multi modal,“ said council member Renee Chacon, who inquired about the possibility of pedestrian bridges and RTD stops.

The answer to her query from City Hall staff was probably not. The state transportation department cited the current lack of rooftops nearby to warrant the expense despite the presence of retail. 

The council’s Charles Dukes had other concerns; he raised the issue of traffic disruptions during construction — although he favors moving ahead with the project.

“I think the design is going to improve traffic,” Dukes said. 

“I’m worried about 6 a.m. traffic during construction,” Dukes added.

CDOT anticipates that there will be single-lane closures for longer than half a day. The goal, they said, is to create a balance between the need to get it done expeditiously with minimal disruptions for drivers. 

The project is currently on track for its next phases within months. However painful the disruptions will be, there was consensus on all sides for the project. 

The six-way intersection will be left to history, paving the way for a new and improved gateway to the city.

“It’s just four corners now,” said Noble of the pending redesign, “so there you have it.”