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Driving You Crazy: Can the traffic lights at Colorado & Alameda be timed better?

I sit through six light cycles before I can go
Posted at 5:54 AM, Dec 08, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-08 10:23:50-05

Shannon from Denver writes, “What drives you crazy? The intersection of Colorado blvd and Alameda. The left turn lanes need to hold much longer. I sit through this light cycle six times before I can go. I also notice that three to four cars run the red to continue turning left because they don't want to sit through the light. Someone needs to fix this!"

Shannon, maybe you have noticed by now but after I contacted Denver Public Works they looked at the traffic lights at that very busy intersection and they have been retimed. Denver public works tells me they think the old timing didn’t allow for the amount of traffic that is going through that intersection on a daily basis. Especially this time of year with all the shoppers at the nearby Cherry Creek Mall.  

MORE: Read more traffic issues driving people crazy

Denver Public Works tells me they are still evaluating the length of the left turn arrow at this signal. Denver traffic engineers tell me the length of the left turn signal vary around the city based on traffic demand, but most are a minimum of 5 seconds.

If you have other issues regarding that intersection or others around Denver they encourage you to call their 3-1-1 reporting line. 

Denver7 traffic reporter Jayson Luber says he has been covering Denver-metro traffic since Ben-Hur was driving a chariot. (We believe the actual number is about 20 years.) He's obsessed with letting viewers know what's happening on their drive and the best way to avoid the problems that spring up. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter or listen to his Driving You Crazy podcast.