FORT COLLINS, Colo. - The City of Fort Collins has launched a public engagement period for the design phase of the West Elizabeth Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. This transformative project aims to enhance transportation along the West Elizabeth Street corridor, connecting Colorado State University's (CSU’s) Main and Foothills campuses.

The West Elizabeth BRT project will provide a three-mile transportation connection, linking CSU’s Foothills Campus to the existing MAX BRT line at Laurel Station, at the intersection of South Mason Street and West Laurel Street. The corridor, home to over 24,000 residents and 20,000 jobs, was chosen for its critical role in serving CSU students and as a growing business and multi-family housing district.

"This project represents a significant step forward in our commitment to providing efficient, sustainable, free transportation options for our community," Transfort Director Kaley Zeisel said. "We're excited to engage with residents and stakeholders to ensure the final design meets the needs of all who live, work, and study along this vital corridor."

Key project details:

• Design phase kickoff: 2023
• Design phase public engagement: 2025
• Expected design completion: 2026
• Project area: From South Mason Street and West Laurel Street to South Overland Trail and West Elizabeth Street, via West Plum Street and West Elizabeth Street; a new roundabout will be constructed at West Elizabeth Street and South Overland Trail

The design phase will incorporate infrastructure supporting all modes of transportation, including transit, bicycling, walking and driving. Construction on the BRT line will follow the design phase.

"We encourage all community members to participate in this engagement process," Zeisel said. "Your input is important in shaping the new West Elizabeth BRT line – a key part of our transportation system that will serve Fort Collins for years to come."

The City invites residents to visit the project webpage at fcgov.com/westelizabeth to learn more, ask questions and provide feedback on this important project. The webpage will be updated with ways to participate in engagement in the coming weeks; subscribers to the webpage will receive project updates as the project moves forward.

An engagement event for businesses along the West Elizabeth corridor will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 5 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (1200 S. Taft Hill Rd.), providing a chance for businesses on West Elizabeth to ask questions and share feedback about the project’s design. RSVP for the event at fcgov.com/westelizabeth.

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