Pre-Construction activities to begin in late May for the 16th Street Mall Improvement Project
Denver's 16th Street Mall Improvement Project is officially underway with pre-construction activities beginning late May. Earlier this year, the City and County of Denver selected PCL Construction to complete final design and construct the improvement project.
In late May, PCL Construction will begin early investigative work along and at the cross-streets of the 16th Street Mall. This work includes surveying, geotechnical sampling (understanding current soil conditions for structural engineering designs), and potholing activities to learn more and confirm decades of existing data about conditions on, around, and under the Mall. By potholing, which includes drilling holes into the pavement in multiple locations, PCL will be able to confirm the location of existing underground utilities. By identifying existing utilities, such as water/sewer pipes and electrical conduit lines, PCL is able to lessen the chance of encountering one of these lines during construction.
What to expect:
Pre-construction activities will require lane and sidewalk closures along cross-streets between Blake Street and Broadway. Signage will clearly identify how pedestrians and motorists can navigate any expected closures.
Initial work will begin on 16th Street at Blake Street, on the northwest side of the intersection. It is estimated that two blocks along the Mall will be impacted per week but this work is weather dependent and subject to change. As pre-construction activities progress, an eBlast will be sent with specific information on work locations and any associated short-term closure impacts. Updated information will also be provided on the project website.
Construction activities are scheduled to take place Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will continue for several months. Watch for signage and occasional flaggers to help guide you.
Pedestrian and transit access will be maintained. More specifically, access to the Mall will not be impacted as one lane of traffic in each direction will remain open during these activities. Once work is underway, people may experience some delays to RTD's Free MallRide at locations where PCL is conducting potholing activities on the cross streets and along the existing transitway.
For more information on project details and to stay up-to-date, visit the website. To connect with the project team, call the 16th Street Mall information line at (855) 816-MALL or submit a comment or question via the website.