City Removes Concrete Barriers From Colorado Springs Crosswalks

City engineers removed concrete barriers from crosswalks on West Colorado Avenue in Colorado Springs following a series of public complaints.

The street underwent a redesign this year that included lane shifts, new parking rules, and protected walking zones. Planners installed the initial concrete barriers last month but changed the design after receiving feedback from residents and businesses.

Ryan Phipps, the city capital improvements manager, explained that the barriers were removed because they blocked the view of shorter pedestrians. He noted that the solid wall of concrete made it difficult for people to see oncoming traffic.

First responders also influenced the changes. Phipps said drivers frequently stopped in the center pedestrian refuge areas to make room for emergency vehicles, which created blockages. The city reduced the size of these refuge zones so fire and police trucks could move up and down the avenue without obstruction.

Phipps described the project as a test phase rather than a final fix. He stated that the team is continuously tweaking the layout to see what works in real conditions.

Local shop owners are monitoring the street changes closely. Joe Kliche, manager of Centennial Cuts, a beef retailer on the avenue, said the store’s customers need easy access to the entrance. The family business, now in its third generation, raises its cattle in Fowler, Colorado, and sells the meat at this single location.

Kliche said he supports the new center lane for parking because it helps with loading. However, he noted that managers had expected more parking spaces. He described the stanchions installed in the middle of the street as a little weird. The city is now gathering more input to determine if the current setup is effective.