March 7, 2007:
If you think that the intersection of West Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard feels safer, your mind isn't playing tricks on you.

In 2003, $4.3 million in construction at the intersection added several safety improvements, and they have paid off. Research comparing the number and kinds of traffic accidents before and after the construction shows significant improvement for drivers.

The research reveals that the number of traffic accidents at the intersection dropped by more than 35 percent. Even more importantly, accidents that resulted in injuries decreased by more than 75 percent.

Two years prior to the improvements, the intersection had 128 accidents, with 34 of those resulting in injuries. In the two years since the improvements, there have been 83 accidents, with only eight resulting in injuries.

More than 70,000 cars pass through the intersection daily. Prior to the improvements, the intersection had one preventable traffic accident every two weeks, making it one of the most accident-prone intersections in the city.

In 2003, double left-turn lanes were added on each approach to the intersection. Exclusive right-turn lanes were added for south- and eastbound traffic, and an additional lane for north- and southbound traffic on Wadsworth was added. Left turning traffic can now only turn during an arrow, and the traffic signals received bigger and brighter light-emitting diode units that are easier to see for motorists. For pedestrians, countdown timers at the crosswalks were added that help make street crossings safer.

A sufficient number of years have passed since completion of the improvements to determine that statistically significant improvements to safety were achieved.

Because City Council places a high priority on traffic safety, Lakewood traffic engineers review intersections annually to identify those that need improvements. Lakewood also competes for grants to help pay for those improvements. At Colfax and Wadsworth, Lakewood received $3.5 million in federal and state grants for the improvements, while contributing $830,000 from City funds.