Keeping Colorado Moving: GDT's Work on Broadway Station @ I-25 Phase 1

1. Project Overview: Broadway Station @ I-25 Phase 1

The Broadway Station @ I-25 Phase 1 project was spearheaded by Kraemer North America as the prime contractor, with oversight and collaboration from Denver's Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI). As the dedicated traffic control partner, GDT Traffic Control played a crucial role in ensuring smooth transitions, safety, and timely completion.

Key project details:

• Client: DOTI (Department of Transportation and Infrastructure)
• Prime Contractor: Kraemer North America
• Traffic Control Contractor: GDT Traffic Control
• Location: Broadway Station @ I-25, Denver, Colorado
• Contract Amount: $987,139.18
• Timeline: 1.5 years
• Completion Status: Completed on time

The project focused on improving traffic and transit flow near the busy Broadway Station area by modifying highway access and enhancing RTD infrastructure:

• A new slip ramp was added for southbound I-25 from Broadway
• The existing southbound I-25 on-ramp from Broadway was permanently closed
• Enhancements were made to the RTD Park & Ride parking lot at Broadway Station
• A new Bannock Street extension from West Exposition Avenue was constructed to establish a dedicated bus entrance and exit

These upgrades aimed to decongest the corridor, increase transit accessibility, and align with the long-term vision for smarter transportation throughout the Denver metro area.

2. Project Challenges: High-Stakes Urban Infrastructure

Large infrastructure projects come with a built-in set of challenges—and this one was no exception. With high traffic volumes, limited real estate, and pressure to maintain access for public transportation users, GDT had to operate with precision and adaptability from day one.

Key traffic control challenges included:

• Maintaining continuous access to Broadway Station for RTD buses and the traveling public
• Managing traffic along one of Denver's busiest arterials—Broadway
• Full closure of Broadway required for safe and efficient girder erection over the roadway
• Nighttime closures were necessary on both Broadway and I-25, requiring exceptional coordination and safety planning
• Navigating fluid timelines and scope adjustments while ensuring public awareness and traffic pattern clarity

This required a careful balance between construction needs and maintaining daily access and usability for thousands of commuters and transit riders. GDT played a pivotal role in ensuring that these disruptions were managed proactively and clearly communicated to the public.

3. Unique Approach: GDT's Blueprint for Urban Traffic Control

What sets GDT apart is more than cones and signage—it's our ability to anticipate, adapt, and execute under pressure. This project showcased GDT's core strengths: collaboration, safety-first planning, and communication.

Strategic Implementation

Here's how GDT approached the project differently:

• Advanced Planning & Scenario Modeling: GDT developed phased traffic control plans tailored to each stage of construction, including contingency models for weather delays and unplanned detours
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Collaborated closely with DOTI and Kraemer NA to roll out clear, up-to-date detour maps, signage, and media alerts to inform the public of traffic pattern changes in real time
• Dedicated Night Crews: Nighttime closures were handled by specialized teams trained to minimize impact while maintaining peak safety standards
• Safety Coordination: Implemented enhanced flagging protocols and barrier systems during full closures to create safe work zones for crews and safe paths for drivers and pedestrians
• High-Visibility Equipment & Tech: Utilized state-of-the-art message boards, radar speed displays, and dynamic signage to reduce driver confusion and maximize awareness

GDT's Unique Advantages

• Full-service traffic control planning and execution
• Real-time communication systems for lane changes and closures
• Proven experience with high-traffic, high-pressure urban corridors
• Safety-focused culture with trained, certified flaggers and supervisors
• Strong collaboration with DOT, city agencies, and general contractors

4. Results: Delivering Excellence in Urban Traffic Control

Despite the complexity and unpredictability of a major urban infrastructure project, GDT delivered measurable results. The traffic control portion of the Broadway Station @ I-25 project was completed on schedule and without major incidents, reflecting GDT's commitment to safety, communication, and operational excellence.

Quantifiable Results:

• $987,139.18 project completed within contract budget
• 18 months timeline met without delays
• Zero major safety incidents reported during traffic control operations
• 100% uptime for RTD bus access during construction
• Dozens of full and partial closures executed with real-time public updates
• Improved traffic flow on northbound and southbound Broadway post-completion
• Public feedback indicated strong clarity in signage and routing throughout

By closing an outdated ramp and adding streamlined access routes, the final configuration greatly enhances traffic efficiency for commuters and transit users alike. More than just redirecting cars, GDT helped redesign the daily rhythm of a key Denver thoroughfare.

Driving Progress in Denver's Infrastructure

GDT Traffic Control's role in the Broadway Station @ I-25 Phase 1 project is a case study in how professional traffic management is vital to successful infrastructure upgrades. With nearly a million dollars in scope and a heavily trafficked corridor to manage, GDT delivered on its promise: safe, smart, and smooth traffic control from start to finish.

Whether you're building a new corridor or revitalizing a high-traffic transit hub, GDT is the trusted partner for keeping Colorado moving—one flag, one ramp, one bus lane at a time.