CO 119 bikeway overpass, wayfinding signage and Gunbarrel shuttle

Boulder County citizens gathered at an open house to review and provide feedback on the 63rd Street overpass planned for the CO 119 Bikeway Design Project. The open house also featured presentations about branded wayfinding concept alternatives for the CO 119 bikeway, and the Gunbarrel Shuttle projects.

The CO 119 Safety, Mobility & Bikeway Project starts in north Boulder at the intersection of CO 157, also known as Foothills Parkway, and ends in south Longmont at the intersection of CO 119 and Hover Street.

The project, scheduled to begin in the fall of 2024, aims to enhance safety for cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians. Among the planned improvements is a 12-foot-wide bikeway, maintained year-round, positioned in the median between the northbound and southbound lanes of CO 119, extending from Longmont to Boulder. A lively crowd of cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians explored the displays showcasing the overpass design at 63rd Street, and branded wayfinding signage for the project.

Boulder County is actively seeking public input on three architectural designs for the bikeway overpass on CO 119. They are asking residents to complete a survey to help select a preferred design concept.

County planners also presented information on branded wayfinding alternatives, including colors and visual signs that stand out and are located at specific decision points to assist in making wayfinding decisions along the bikeway.

Consor, an engineering firm, and Studio SIX, a branding agency, collaborated to develop unique graphics and a vibrant color scheme for the design elements along the corridor. The color scheme was inspired by the Flatiron Flyer bus, and the graphic inspiration was based on the indigenous native grasslands and flowers found along the Colorado Front Range.

The bright bold colors of gold and blue were inspired by fields of golden banners, yellow paintbrush, and prairie coneflowers native to Boulder County's land, draped against Colorado's brilliant, blue summer skies. Traci Jones, Principal and Creative Director at Studio SIX, explained, "The color palette of blue and gold was inspired by the Flatiron vehicle, and this color scheme was developed for all elements of the CO 119 project. High visibility is important for catching one's attention from a distance, so a vibrant color palette is key."

The displays at the open house showed the bold colors of yellow and blue unifying elements such as undulating screen elements and distinctive sculptural seating, which connect and harmonize with the signage and bus shelters to create a cohesive look.

Elaine Erb, a sustainable transportation planner with Boulder Chamber Transportation Connections, was on hand to discuss the upcoming Gunbarrel Shuttle project. This flex route, on-demand transit service will provide a critical first- and last-mile connection to over 9,800 employees and 11,500 residents in and around Gunbarrel. It is a partnership between Boulder County, RTD, the City of Boulder, and the Boulder Chamber Transportation Connections. They hope service will start in 2025.

The Boulder Chamber Transportation Connections promotes efficient and sustainable transportation options to support Boulder-area employers, workers, and residents. The group educates employers on the concept and potential of Transportation Demand Management while creating opportunities for like-minded community members to engage with each other. For more information, visit the Commuting Solutions CO 119 Branding & Wayfinding Project.