Denver Public Works
Nancy Kuhn
work 720-865-8720
Nancy.Kuhn@denvergov.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2014
Denver Public Works announces plan for early completion of the
University/Josephine improvement project
Full Closure of the 1st Ave. and University Blvd. Intersection Scheduled
DENVER, CO – Denver Public Works today announced that it will conduct a full closure
of the 1st Avenue and University Boulevard intersection to complete its storm sewer and
street reconstruction project three (3) weeks ahead of schedule, reduce prolonged
impacts to commuters, and support an early start to the holiday shopping season. The
new project completion date is November 1.
A critical component to completing the project is the paving of the intersection of 1st and
University. To accelerate this work, the contractor will fully close the 1st and University
intersection Saturday night, September 20, and reopen Tuesday morning, September
23. A full closure of the intersection will allow the work to be completed more quickly in
one single phase instead of in multiple phases as originally planned.
1st and University Intersection Closure Information (weather permitting)
Saturday, Sept. 20 –lane closures begin at 7:00pm; intersection closed by 10:00pm
Tuesday, Sept. 23 - intersection reopens at 7:00am
Business Access Maintained
Access to residences, businesses, and the mall will be maintained throughout the
intersection closure. There is no impact to Friday night’s “Celebrate Fashion” event in
Cherry Creek North.
“We welcome visitors to Cherry Creek North this weekend and encourage people to
come out and experience our world-class fashion show, Celebrate Fashion in Cherry
Creek North, on Fillmore Plaza Friday (Sept. 19) night before this work begins,” said
Julie Underdahl, President and CEO of the Cherry Creek North Business Improvement
District. For more information on free in-store events and tickets to the runway show,
visit www.cherrycreeknorth.com. Walk-up tickets are available the day of the event as
well.
The University/Josephine infrastructure improvement began in January 2014 and crews
are utilizing a community-backed noise ordinance variance to work overnight.
“The infrastructure project has been both challenging and impactful, but necessary,”
said Nick LeMasters, General Manager of Cherry Creek Shopping Center. “We
appreciate the City’s efforts to complete the work earlier than originally planned.”
What drivers can expect:
 Local access with signage directing visitors to Cherry Creek Shopping Center;
Cherry Creek North shopping, dining and service businesses; and other adjacent
commercial areas
 Signage to help facilitate local circulation and guide vehicles to alternate routes
 Heavier traffic on alternate routes adjacent to the closure area
Commuters please plan ahead!
Commuters accustomed to traveling through the 1st Ave. and University Blvd.
intersection will be required to find alternate routes and should plan ahead, especially
for their Monday morning and Monday evening commutes!
A map of alternate routes is at www.cherrycreekimprovements.com. Follow us on
Twitter at @DenPublicWorks for updates during the closure period.
About the Project
The University/Josephine Project is improving the storm sewer system in this area to
prevent recurrent flooding. It is also reconstructing University and Josephine in concrete
from Cherry Creek North Drive to 6th Avenue. The new concrete pavement is expected
to last 30 years. The improvement project began in January 2014 and is funded by the
voter-approved Better Denver Bond and Wastewater Capital Improvement Programs.
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