Cyclists who white-knuckle it along the skinny shoulder of U.S. 36 between North Boulder and Lyons may finally get some breathing room. Boulder County is sketching out designs for an 11‑mile separated bikeway that would pull riders off the narrow, traffic‑hugging edge of the highway and onto a dedicated path.
The concept calls for a mostly 12‑foot‑wide concrete path set about 20 to 30 feet from the highway where there is room, with retaining walls, railings, and raised crossings in tighter pinch points. Officials estimate the project could cost roughly $95 million and be built in phases, although final engineering and funding are still very much works in progress. County staff says public input gathered at recent open houses and online surveys will help determine which alignment and crossings move ahead.
According to Boulder County, the design phase is open for community feedback this spring through an online survey and public meetings. The county’s Transportation Planning Division says that outreach will shape the detailed engineering, which must account for private driveways, transit stops, and protections for natural resources along the corridor. Staff is also recruiting a community advisory committee to help steer the next phase of work…