City hopes to get funding to build underpass

After replacing the flashing pedestrian signal on Baseline and Broadway with a street light a few months ago, the Boulder Transportation Department now wants to remove the crosswalk to build an underpass connecting Basemar Shopping Center with the CU campus.

Inefficiency and safety issues are at the forefront of the decision to apply for a federal grant through the Transportation Improvement Program for funding to build an underpass at that location. The construction of the underpass will cost an estimated $5 million.

"Usually what happens is the bicyclist or pedestrian pushes the button, they don't get immediate service... they either have to wait or they find a gap in traffic and scamper across," said Boulder Transportation Operations Engineer, Bill Cowern."Then the light changes for them, and if they've already gone, there's nobody there to cross and all the drivers are stopped and waiting for no reason."

The city has already applied for the grant money; although Denver's Regional Counsel of Governments have to vote to approve the plan, transportation officials are optimistic.

"I think we have a very good shot at getting the money," said Cowern. "It's a very high priority project."

Some students are eager to see the light near Baseline and Broadway replaced.

"It's pretty much a light for nothing," said CU Student Mike Wiwchar. "You got a light up there on Broadway so it's sorta just an extra light that doesn't do anything."

The decision will be made on March 16, but Boulder Transportation may not see any of that money until 2012, with construction starting at some point later.