The City of Arvada has decided not to proceed with the construction of a roadway underpass for the W. 72nd Avenue widening project due to a significant increase in costs. The latest estimate places the total cost at approximately $137 million, more than double the initial $64.5 million bond approved by voters in 2018. A presentation to the city council on Jan. 20, 2026 outlined details of the decision.
Key factors contributing to the cost escalation include a multi-year delay in approvals from the Union Pacific Railroad and extreme inflation in the transportation construction industry over the past five years. A previous cost estimate of $97.5 million had already been factored into the City’s 10-year financial model, but this new estimate led city leaders to reassess the viability of the project.
City Manager Don Wick stated, “This decision was difficult, and our responsibility to the community requires us to be transparent about costs and make fiscally sound decisions. Our commitment must be to manage public funds responsibly and maintain the financial health of the City.” The increased costs would necessitate reallocating funds from other city services or potentially incurring additional debt, affecting the city’s financial reserves and future flexibility.
Director of Infrastructure Jacqueline Rhoades noted, “We remain committed to the original intent of the ballot measure to improve safety and traffic flow along the W. 72nd Avenue corridor. While the underpass is no longer feasible at this cost, we are actively exploring alternative improvements, including an at-grade crossing.”
In 2026, the City plans to restore existing conditions between Kipling and Oak streets, including repaving. They will also assess the feasibility of an at-grade crossing, a process estimated to take five to ten years for redesign, approvals, and construction.
The City will hold a community open house on February 2 from 5-7 pm at Apex Community Recreation Center, allowing residents to learn more about the decision and discuss it with city officials. Information will also be provided digitally for those unable to attend.
For more detailed information, visit the primary source at City of Arvada.
