80th Avenue Median Project Underway

The renovation of the medians on W. 80th Avenue began in mid November, with the landscaping portion of the project to be completed by the spring of 2012. The medians, located between Sheridan and Wadsworth Boulevards were constructed in 1975, and over the past 36 years, these medians have seen no significant capital maintenance efforts as the focus has been on day-to-day maintenance needs. 

The 2008 Citizens' Capital Improvement Committee ranked the W. 80th Avenue Median Project as one of its highest priorities for funding and, in the 2011-2012 Arvada Capital Improvement Fund budget, monies were allocated to complete this important work.

This one-mile stretch of median will be receive a new irrigation system, replacing the existing hardscape and eliminating all turf in favor of xeric plants. This project will vastly improve the aesthetics, reduce water consumption and waste and eliminate hazardous bluegrass mowing.

“The importance of this new median design is that it will reduce irrigation needs in the future thus making the area easier to maintain and more cost-effective,” said Mike Lee, Park and Urban Design Manager for the City of Arvada.

Another important aspect of the project is traffic control. A plan has been developed to be public safety and worker safety throughout the duration of the project. The general contractor, Urban Farmer Inc., has worked with the Traffic Department in the development of a traffic control plan. The city will continue to monitor, modify and refine the plan as the project progresses.