City removes West Avenue barriers after visibility complaints

City planners in Colorado Springs removed concrete barriers from crosswalks on West Colorado Avenue this week. The changes follow a year of testing a street redesign that includes new lane alignments and parking adjustments. Officials reduced the size of center pedestrian refuge areas to address concerns from drivers and pedestrians.

Ryan Phipps, the city's capital improvements manager, explained that the project involves continuous testing. He stated that the team adjusted the initial implementation to see what works in practice. The concrete barriers were part of the first design but were removed because they blocked sightlines. Phipps noted that shorter pedestrians specifically struggled to see traffic over the solid concrete walls.

First responders also influenced the changes. Drivers attempting to clear the way for emergency vehicles sometimes created blockades in the refuge areas. The city removed those specific sections to ensure fire and police crews have clear access along the avenue. Phipps described the process as tweaking and balancing rather than correcting errors.

Local businesses are monitoring the changes. Joe Kliche, manager of Centennial Cuts, said the store sells beef from a family ranch in Fowler, Colorado. The shop relies on customers being able to reach its door easily. Kliche said he likes the center lane for parking because it aids in loading and unloading. However, he noted that the stanchions rising in the middle of the street feel a little weird to customers.

The store attracts both local shoppers and tourists. Managers had expected more additional parking along the corridor. Reactions to the crosswalk changes have been mixed among the business owners. The latest updates represent a reset for this part of the trial period.

City planners are now asking the public for further feedback. This input will help determine whether the current design is working. The street continues to function as a test site for pedestrian and vehicle flow.