For the next two years, the roar of jackhammers and the maze of orange construction fencing along East Colfax Avenue will remain a daily reality for drivers and pedestrians stretching from downtown to the city's eastern edges. On April 27, 2026, the Denver City and County Council voted to extend this timeline, approving a $6.9 million contract amendment that pushes the project's completion date to September 30, 2028.
The vote formalizes a significant financial adjustment for the East Colfax Lynx Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) initiative, managed by the Department of Transportation & Infrastructure (DOTI). The amendment raises the total contract value with owner's representative Triunity, Inc. to $24.7 million. This funding secures the professional services needed to oversee the complex engineering and logistical challenges of rebuilding one of Denver's most historic and heavily traveled east-west corridors.
The project, which spans Council Districts 5, 8, 9, and 10, has long promised faster bus speeds and safer streets. However, the extended timeline reflects the sheer scale of work required to install dedicated bus lanes, modern signal systems, and new stations. While the construction has caused significant disruptions for local businesses, city officials have pointed to grant programs offering up to $15,000 to help affected small businesses weather the delays. Simultaneously, community groups like the Urban Land Conservancy continue their "Impact East Colfax" efforts to ensure the corridor's redevelopment includes equitable, affordable housing and commercial space.
The decision to extend the contract ensures that the BRT project will remain a central focus of city planning through the end of the decade. Residents in the affected districts can expect continued lane closures and traffic pattern changes as crews work toward the new 2028 deadline. For those wishing to track the project's progress or voice concerns, public meetings regarding the East Colfax BRT are held at Denver City Hall. Details on upcoming sessions can be found via the city's legislative portal: https://denver.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=56546.