48th Avenue Greenway and Outfall

Project Description

The 2014 Globeville Neighborhood Plan outlines a vision for a unique, strong, connected, and healthy Globeville. Nuisance flooding from stormwater runoff is a well-documented challenge within the community as well as major surface ponding issues in the Argo Park area. The neighborhood sits in the Globeville/Utah Junction Drainage Basin which does not have a formal drainage channel to carry stormwater to the South Platte River. Instead, stormwater drains out of the neighborhood through undersized stormwater pipes and the street network.

The general project alignment starts at the “uphill/upstream” location of Lincoln Street and 48th Avenue, passes through Argo Park, under the BNSF railway, crosses Washington Street, and then continues “downhill/downstream” along 48th Avenue to a new stormwater outfall into the South Platte River.

The Globeville drainage basin has been heavily studied in recent years. The design and construction of this project builds upon the drainage analysis and conceptual design completed as part of the Globeville Stormwater Systems Study (GSSS) – Final Draft December 2019. This initiative will also coordinate and connect with several other ongoing infrastructure improvements in the neighborhood including Heron Pond, Platte Farm Open Space, Washington Street and the Bettie Cram Drive Bridge connecting to the National Western Center.

This project will include a conceptual design of stormwater improvements for the entire project corridor from Lincoln Street to the South Platte River. The stormwater outfall and overlook will begin construction in early 2025. The “downhill/downstream” portion of the project from the west side of Washington Street to the South Platte River will be taken through final design and is planned to be constructed in 2026. This will include the realignment of 48th Avenue, an underground stormwater box culvert, and a greenway. Once funding becomes available, the final design and construction will be completed for the portions of the project that are “uphill/upstream” from Washington Street to Lincoln Street.

Study Goals or Purpose

The 48th Avenue Greenway and Outfall, when complete, will provide relief for some of the drainage problems in the Globeville neighborhood with the potential to create a community connection to the South Platte River, expand access to green space, and further the community’s goal of a more walkable neighborhood.