City eyes expansion to I-25 as next business arena

WESTMINSTER – The day will come when land for development near U.S. 36 no longer is

available.

So city officials now look to I-25 as another area to bring more jobs to the city. Nearly 368

acres have been reserved for business parks in that area, part of the city’s effort to keep its

residents close to home.

“We have seen dramatic success that’s occurred along the U.S. 36 Corridor, and as this area

comes close to build-out, we see a window of opportunity for other locations,” says John

Carpenter, community development director.

Carpenter says nothing definitive is in the works, but several developers have expressed

interest. “We’ve had some inquiries about property along I-25, the particulars of which I really

can’t divulge at this point because they’re too preliminary,” he says.

Westminster, along with Thornton and Broomfield, are planning to build an interchange at

136th Avenue near I-25 to relieve congestion on 120th Avenue. The 136th Avenue interchange is

expected to open in three to four years.

The lack of interchanges has created heavy congestion at the 120th Avenue interchange,

Carpenter says. The 136th Avenue project, estimated to cost $15 million, would include an

improved roadway along 136th Avenue between Washington and Huron streets, an overpass

taking 136th Avenue over I-25 as well as access to I-25. Future interchanges also are planned at

128th and 144th avenues.

At present, there aren’t any interchanges in the six-mile stretch between 120th Avenue and

Highway 7. People typically drive down to 120th Avenue to get on the highway.

Carpenter believes the interchanges not only will aid the flow of traffic but also will create

more opportunities for economic development. “Roadways have been shown repeatedly in

various circumstances to attract development,” he says.

In addition to the proposed new interchanges, completion of E-470 from Denver International

Airport to I-25 is nearing reality. “When that road improvement is completed, the city’s north

area will have excellent accessibility as well as visibility,” stated Susan Grafton, Westminster

economic development director. “We see it as our strong future growth area.”

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