City completes construction of 19th Street improvements in north Boulder

The City of Boulder has completed constructing two complementary projects at 19th Street between Norwood and Upland avenues to advance flood risk reduction and improve multimodal travel - walking, biking, taking the bus and driving. 19th Street is a key connection to community destinations including schools and parks. The project serves as a model for integrated urban design by combining safety, green infrastructure and multimodal transportation solutions.

The city and Boulder Valley School District invite the community to celebrate the completionon April 22, local Bike to School Day - and Earth Day - with city staff, school communities, Transportation Advisory Board and City Council members, and surrounding neighbors. Join from 8-9 a.m. near the new 19^th Street and Fourmile Canyon Creek underpass at Crest View Elementary School, 1897 Sumac Ave. Boulder, CO 80304. A bike ride will leave from Crest View at 9 a.m. and head to Centennial Middle School to highlight the projects' transportation improvements.

While distinct, the two projects were strategically aligned to strengthen community flood resilience while improving safety and quality of life now and into the future. Work includes:

• A new bicycle and pedestrian underpass at Fourmile Canyon Creek, which will allow students, families, and neighbors to cross the street completely separate from vehicle traffic.
• Rain gardens and stormwater management features along 19th Street support natural drainage, water quality, and green space in the urban environment.
• Replacement and widening of the 19th Street bridge over Fourmile Canyon Creek, which was at the end of its life. The new bridge will service travel for the next century while supporting flood mitigation, improving water flow during storms and reducing flood risk.
• Replacement of the Wonderland Creek culvert to meet floodplain requirements.
• Improved multimodal connections between Norwood and Sumac avenues, including:
  • Upgraded transit stops, signage, and pedestrian crossings and curb ramps.
  • A buffered bike lane.
  • A new sidewalk and completed missing sidewalk links between existing sidewalks.
  • "Speed cushions," which are similar to speed bumps, to reduce vehicle travel speeds while accommodating emergency response vehicles.

Landscaping will be completed this spring. Construction began in 2024 and ended in spring 2026, and is the result of over a decade of work involving the neighborhood, boards and council in consideration of community goals, city policies and plans such as the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan. The underpass project is funded by the city Utilities Department Stormwater Fund, Community, Culture, Resilience and Safety Tax, and Mile High Flood District. Multimodal improvements are funded in part by the Colorado Department of Transportation Transportation Alternatives Program and Safe Routes to School program.

Learn more on the 19^th Street Improvements webpage.