Two high-impact regional corridor projects are advancing on schedule with exciting implications for people in Boulder County and beyond: the CO 119 Safety, Mobility and Bikeway Project, and CO 7 Transit Starter Service.
It’s exciting to see construction of the nine-mile Diagonal Bikeway between Boulder and Longmont progressing steadily, with the concrete path looking almost finished in several places. Don’t be fooled, however: the path won’t be complete and open to the public until January 2027. Check out new drone footage from Boulder County below, which shows construction of the bikeway and other improvements along the corridor, including new bus stops in preparation for the Diagonal Flyer bus rapid transit route.
Recent progress includes visible transformation at key intersections, particularly at CO 52/Mineral Road, where new bus rapid transit stops and bikeway underpasses are taking shape. Construction crews are currently working on park-and-ride facilities at 63rd Street and Niwot Road, building two pedestrian bridges, and installing safety railings throughout the corridor.
Once complete, the project will deliver improved safety for all road users, faster bus service between Boulder and Longmont, and enhanced connectivity through intersection improvements. Read the latest construction update here and learn more about the project on the Colorado Department of Transportation website.
Meanwhile, the CO 7 corridor is preparing for its Transit Starter Service, scheduled to begin next summer. Dubbed the “B2B Flyer,” this fare-free bus rapid transit service will connect Brighton and Boulder across 26.6 miles, serving communities in Boulder, Broomfield, and Adams counties with 16 strategically placed stops. In Boulder, new bus and turn lane (BAT lane) striping, multi-use paths, and enhanced transit stops comprise some of the extensive preparations for the anticipated regional bus rapid transit service.
The service addresses dramatic projected growth along the corridor, which expects 56,000 new residents and 38,000 new jobs by 2050, along with a 37% increase in traffic. Initial service is expected to operate weekdays during commuting hours, with 30-minute frequencies in 2026, expanding to daily service in 2027. The fare-free model reflects the corridor’s demographics, ensuring affordable access for low-income households. With projected daily boardings between 8,500 and 9,800 riders, the service promises improved travel times, reduced emissions, and crucial connections to other regional transit networks.
Boulder Chamber Transportation Connections staff actively participate in both the CO 119 Communications Committee and the CO 7 Communications Team, helping to get the word out about both projects at local events and throughout our communities. Find more information about both projects at the links above, and watch for updates coming in the new year as the projects progress!