Surviving the construction zone
In advance of the upcoming East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, Denver Water will replace over 5 miles of 130-year-old pipeline and customer-owned lead service lines along East Colfax Avenue. Although the pipe in this area does not have a significant break history, we need to replace it before the BRT work begins. This proactive and responsible approach will allow us to maintain a reliable water system for decades to come, and sequencing work with the BRT project will ultimately reduce construction impacts in this area.
But in the meantime, it may get a little challenging...
We recognize you may have questions about how construction will impact your business. This page answers some of those questions; includes practical ideas to help minimize any inconvenience to your business; and provides direction on how to get more information. We hope you find this information helpful and thank you for your patience as we work to improve the long-term sustainability of the system.
Tips for before, during and after construction
There is no doubt about it, construction can be impactful to businesses. The following tips can help mitigate some of these issues.
- Sign up for notifications, follow us on Nextdoor and attend public meetings. Construction timelines often change, so paying attention to communications from Denver Water will ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
- Develop a plan for the disruption and potential impacts to your business, including ramping up marketing efforts or reducing inventory.
- Inform customers early. Put up signs, provide information about parking changes, alternative routes and/or promotions.
- Get to know the construction workers and supervisors and create a friendly rapport — they may even become new customers! Keep project contact information on hand and be sure to share your concerns as they arise. We can’t fix every issue, but we can only address the things we know about.
- Denver Water will provide general signage; however, it’s also good to display your own, directing customers to the right entrance (e.g., a back entrance, if feasible).
- Let your suppliers know about construction. Communicate project work hours and try to schedule alternative delivery times.
- Keep a script with current construction impacts next to your phone so you and your employees have consistent and easy-to-access information to share with customers.
- While there’s little you can do to reduce the dust and noise of a construction site, you can focus on keeping your own business as dust-free as possible.
- Actively reconnect and communicate with your customers to let them know the work is over.
- Consider promotions and local advertising.
- Update your website and social media.
- Let us know how we did — we value feedback and are continually looking for ways we can improve.
Construction details
Work began June 2023 at Broadway and East Colfax Avenue and will occur in phases. Work will last approximately two weeks per block. The project is expected to be complete by early 2025. Please note, timeframes are heavily dependent on weather and may change.
Water outages will be necessary on this project. Crews will provide a notice with the date and time of the planned water outage at least 24 hours in advance.
While unlikely, emergency water shut-offs may also occur. During emergency outages, Denver Water will provide a notice on customers’ doors as quickly as possible. Typically, emergency repairs take approximately six to eight hours to complete. Visit denverwater.org/Outage for more information.
Business access will be maintained during the project; however:
- Lane closures will occur daily on East Colfax Avenue, and those traveling through the area should expect delays.
- Street parking will not be available during working hours, and vehicles left in the “no parking” zone may be towed.
More information
To find out more about the Colfax BRT project, visit denvergov.org/ColfaxBRT.
For more information or to sign up to receive project updates, visit denverwater.org/Colfax or contact Denver Water Customer Care at 303-893-2444, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
For water emergencies after-hours, on holidays or on weekends, contact 303-628-6801.