Council Member Watson and DOTI Break Ground on Washington Street Corridor Reconstruction

Press release submitted by City and County of Denver

District 9 Denver City Council Member Darrell Watson, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) and community partners broke ground today on the Washington Street Corridor project, which will fully reconstruct the roadway from 47th Avenue to Denver’s northern boundary at 52nd Avenue.

The project represents a major investment in Globeville, where narrow sidewalks, outdated infrastructure and unsafe crossings have challenged residents for decades. The reconstruction will introduce modern pedestrian and bicycle facilities, safer intersections, expanded right-of-way and new utilities designed to keep pace with Denver’s growth.

“Today is more than just another groundbreaking — it’s a celebration of what’s possible when Denver residents approve bonds that invest in our future,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “Thanks to the Elevate Denver Bond, we can connect neighborhoods like Globeville, support businesses and build the infrastructure that will serve families for generations.”

City leaders emphasized that the project is not only about mobility, but also about building equity and opportunity in Globeville and surrounding neighborhoods. For Globeville residents, the corridor has historically acted as a hurdle rather than a conduit.

“Washington Street is one of Denver’s critical connectors, linking Globeville and Elyria Swansea neighborhoods to I-70, Downtown Denver, Brighton Boulevard, the National Western Center, and the 38th & Blake transit station,” said Council Member Watson. “With these improvements, we are reimagining Washington Street as a people-first corridor that connects neighbors with safer and more accessible infrastructure.”

Washington Street is one of Denver’s critical connectors, linking neighborhoods to I-70, Brighton Boulevard, the National Western Center and the 38th & Blake transit station. Rebuilding the street with multimodal improvements will provide a more reliable and resilient backbone for the city’s north side.

“Washington Street has long been a vital connector for this community, but its design hasn’t kept pace with the people who rely on it,” said Amy Ford, executive director of the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. “By rebuilding the corridor, we’re creating a stronger, more resilient roadway that ensures residents can move through this community with confidence.” 

The Washington Street Corridor project received $20 million from the Elevate Denver GO Bond program, approved by Denver voters in 2017. The bond program was designed to deliver nearly 500 projects citywide, reflecting residents’ priorities for safer streets, improved mobility and stronger neighborhoods. The Washington Street Corridor project joins a list of bond-funded improvements that are reshaping communities across Denver.

Project Benefits

• Reconstructed main street and connector to I-70, Brighton Boulevard, the National Western Center and the 38th & Blake transit station
• Safer pedestrian crossings and improved bike facilities
• Expanded right-of-way to accommodate future growth
• Landscape and green infrastructure features

About Denver GO Bonds 

General obligation (GO) bonds are a long-term debt instrument issued by state or local governments to fund public capital improvement projects such as roads, bridges, bikeways, public facilities and parks. This includes restoring, replacing and expanding existing capital assets. Local GO Bond Programs are authorized by Denver voters every 4-10 years and repaid through property taxes. Elevate Denver is a 10-year, $937 million general obligation bond program approved by voters in 2017 to execute nearly 500 projects. RISE Denver is a 10-year, $260 million general obligation bond program approved by voters in 2021 to execute more than 80 projects.

Editor’s note: For more information, visit denvergov.org/GoBonds.