Denver halts I-25 ramp rebuild, preserving homes in community advocacy

Residents of the 800 South Lincoln Street block in Denver will remain in their homes after nearly two decades of community advocacy against a proposed ramp replacement project. The project, which was part of an Environmental Assessment completed in 2008, aimed to improve the interchange at I-25 and Broadway but faced significant opposition from the community due to safety concerns and the potential loss of homes. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) had not identified funding for the ramp replacement, leading to a reconsideration of the project. Community members, led by Brittany Spinner, Vice President of the Lincoln Broadway corridor organization, highlighted the dangers of Lincoln Street, where speeding and frequent accidents were reported. Their advocacy emphasized the need for a holistic approach to neighborhood safety rather than just focusing on the homes at risk. The organization even conducted speed checks, revealing an average speed of 55 mph in a 30 mph zone, underscoring the urgency of their concerns. In response to community feedback, DOTI announced it would abandon the phase of the project that involved replacing the ramp from Broadway to northbound I-25. This decision means that the homes in the 800 block of South Lincoln Street will not be acquired for construction, allowing long-time residents like Robert McDermott to remain in their homes without the threat of eminent domain. The outcome reflects the power of community advocacy in influencing urban planning decisions, prioritizing the safety and well-being of residents over infrastructure development. The decision marks a significant victory for the residents who have fought for nearly two decades to preserve their neighborhood.