Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Project Questions
Why is this project being designed? How was this route identified?
The project began life as a resident request to identify and construct a Clear Creek Trail bypass through downtown Golden. There were concerns that the growing popularity of the trail and planned extension further west to Idaho Springs would create difficulties for cyclists and other trail users. The City secured federal congressionally directed spending to conduct an alternatives analysis of a potential bypass route. The analysis engaged with the public over four meetings focused on developing project goals and alternatives, evaluating the alternatives, confirming the preferred alternative and reviewing concept design. The alternatives analysis report details this process and outcomes.
Two alternatives were identified: a near-term option (widen the existing south creek trail) and a longer-term option (new trail along SH58/Church Ditch). City staff are utilizing remaining project funds to complete design of the near-term option.
How has the City gathered public feedback during the near-term option design?
The design process was intended to proceed immediately after the the 2024 alternatives analysis process. This was delayed as Golden Hotel submitted their patio and other improvement plans that would allow better integration with the trail project, primarily with the removal of a vehicle driveway at the Washington Avenue trail crossing. The trail is located on a easement through the Golden Hotel property which required survey to ensure the improvements would be located wholly within the existing easement.
The first round of design public engagement occurred in May 2026 and included a public open house (May 5 - approximately 30 attendees), online survey (May 5-19 - 41 responses), a Parks and Recreation Advisory Board update (May 21), and a meeting with the Millstone Condos HOA (June 10 - three attendees). All public engagement opportunities were advertised via emails to previous project participants, the Weekly Update, social media, and corridor signage. Community members also presented feedback at several City Council meetings during public comment and via the Council Comments email.
A second design public meeting will be held in early August 2026 to review the updated plans. Public feedback received to date is summarized below the FAQs.
What will the widened trail look like?
The widened trail will look similar to the existing trail with additional space for trail users to navigate and enjoy the creek corridor. The 2024 alternatives analysis report included a rendering of the Illinois/Billy Drew Bridge trail intersection along with the longer-term option.
Is a FEMA floodplain permit required?
No. The current trail design does not cause a rise in base flood elevation exceeding six inches, the federal regulation threshold for a FEMA floodplain. The project team has prepared a letter of no-rise certification outlining the analysis and finding that this threshold will not be met and that a FEMA floodplain permit is not required. This analysis may be updated as the plans are updated if significant changes are made the existing elevations, though this is not expected to be necessary.
How will existing vegetation be impacted by the project?
The project team is attempting to minimize impacts to existing vegetation. The Illinois/Billy Drew Bridge-Washington segment should not impact existing vegetation. The Washington-Ford segment has willows, boxelder, ash, and tree of heaven right against the trail that will be impacted as follows:
- Permanent Two-Foot Trail Widening: The existing trail will be widened approximately two feet. Vegetation within two feet of the existing edge of trail will be removed to accommodate the wider trail.
- Temporary Three-Foot Construction Impacts: Beyond the permanent two-foot widening, up to an additional three feet of vegetation will be temporarily removed to accommodate construction activity. Removals would be limited to the greatest extent possible.
Parks staff currently trims vegetation regularly along the south creek trail, and at least twice per year on the Washington-Ford segment. Based on past experience and understanding the variety of species, Parks staff expect that this vegetation will quickly regrow to mirror the current conditions that are valued by the community.
What type of safety improvements will be added to help manage cyclist, pedestrian, tuber and other trail user interactions?
Managing these interactions are a challenge along the entire Clear Creek corridor. Past city efforts have included a social separation of cyclists to the south creek trail during summer months, a trail courtesy campaign and signage in partnership with BikeWalkGolden, a painted yellow centerline on the north creek trail and training for Community Services officers and Creek ambassadors to help spread the message. City staff will evaluate how these and other safety improvement could be implemented on the south creek trail and will present ideas for public review at the next public meeting in August 2026.
What will the pedestrian railing look like and where will it be installed?
Protected (or separated) bike lanes are designed for p
When is construction happening?
Construction is currently unfunded and not scheduled. Parks and Recreation is developing a 10-year capital improvement plan (CIP) that will prioritize all parks and open space capital projects. The trail project design will become part of the CIP which will determine a future construction timeline.
