Colorado Springs Removes Concrete Barriers From West Avenue After Driver and Pedestrian Concerns

Concrete barriers have been removed from crosswalks along West Colorado Avenue in Colorado Springs as city planners adjust a year-long street redesign based on recent public feedback. The changes mark a significant shift in the trial phase of the project, which includes lane realignment and new pedestrian infrastructure installed just last month.

Ryan Phipps, the city’s capital improvements manager, described the current situation as part of an ongoing iterative process. The initial design featured protected crosswalks with solid concrete walls. However, residents and visitors reported that these barriers blocked sightlines for pedestrians, particularly those of shorter stature. The physical obstruction created a solid wall of concrete that impeded visibility for people on foot.

In response to these comments, the city dismantled the barriers. Phipps noted that the adjustments are not necessarily corrections of errors but rather a search for better functional options. The goal is to test what works in practice versus what was originally anticipated in planning documents.

The center pedestrian refuge areas have also been scaled back. This modification followed input from first responders who observed that drivers pulling over for emergency vehicles sometimes created blockades at these refuge zones. To ensure fire and police units have clear access up and down the avenue, the city removed those specific sections. Phipps stated this move was necessary to maintain critical emergency response capabilities.

Local businesses along the corridor are closely monitoring these shifts as they impact customer access and parking logistics. Centennial Cuts, a retailer of Colorado beef, relies on direct access to its storefront. Manager Joe Kliche explained that the shop sells beef from cattle raised on a family ranch in Fowler, Colorado, which is now in its third generation. The business operates out of a single brick-and-mortar location that draws both local shoppers and tourists.

Kliche reported that the management team appreciates the center lane designated for parking, as it aids in loading and unloading goods. However, reactions to the broader crosswalk changes have been mixed among business owners. While they had expected additional parking availability, the current configuration has prompted debate. Kliche specifically described the stanchions rising in the middle of the street as a little weird, reflecting a broader uncertainty among merchants about the final look and function of the roadway.

The latest updates effectively reset this portion of the trial period. City planners are now soliciting further feedback to evaluate whether the reduced barrier and refuge features are performing as intended. This phase of testing allows officials to balance the needs of pedestrians, drivers, and local commerce before finalizing the long-term design of the avenue.

The project continues to evolve with the goal of creating a more functional corridor for all users. By removing the most contentious elements of the initial rollout, the city aims to refine the streetscape while maintaining the core objectives of the redesign. Future adjustments will depend on how the current configuration performs in daily traffic and pedestrian flow.