Continuous Flow Intersection in Wheat Ridge

On December 9, 2025, Wheat Ridge opened its first continuous flow intersection (CFI) at Wadsworth Boulevard and 38th Avenue.

So, what is a continuous flow intersection?

A CFI is a design where left-turn movements are shifted before the main intersection, allowing traffic to flow more smoothly and with fewer conflict points. Therefore, left-turning vehicles move into a dedicated lane before the main intersection, which means both left-turning and through traffic move simultaneously.

At a typical intersection, through traffic generally has the right of way. A left-turning driver is required to yield to a vehicle going straight or turning right that is within the intersection or so close as to be considered an immediate hazard. The driver needs to wait for a safe gap before proceeding.

When there are high volumes of through traffic, left-turning drivers usually have to wait a long time, especially at intersections that lack a dedicated green arrow. A CFI eliminates the need for left turners to wait for oncoming traffic to clear. They simply move to a lane on the opposite side of the road, away from oncoming traffic, and then turn left at the same time that through-traffic on the main road receives a green light.

Wheat Ridge installed the CFI at Wadsworth Boulevard and 38th Avenue to improve traffic flow, reduce backups, eliminate separate signal phases, reduce conflict points, and maximize green light time for more cars per cycle.

Douglas County previously opened several CFIs in early 2025. The county installed CFIs on US 85 (Santa Fe Drive) in Highlands Ranch at Highlands Ranch Parkway, Town Center Drive, and the intersection with C-470. They allow through traffic on US 85 to continue uninterrupted when the light turns green, as left-turning vehicles are on a dedicated lane turning left at the main intersection without conflicting with oncoming traffic.

The installed CFIs in Douglas County have proven to be effective within the first few months of operation. They have significantly improved traffic operations, reduced congestion, and improved safety.

When using Wadsworth Boulevard and want to turn left, you will be required to move into the dedicated lane several blocks before the main intersection. Follow the included signs on the road to enter the far-left travel lane. When on the dedicated lane, you will make a left turn when a green turn arrow appears. Note that you will be proceeding at the same time as opposing through traffic. This movement substantially reduces delays and improves safety by reducing conflict points.

The first few days of the CFI operating have been confusing to some drivers. Some have felt unnatural moving left several hundred feet before the main intersection, as this feels like they are violating standard driving rules.

The “No Right on Red” signs have also concerned some drivers. Drivers are prohibited from making a right turn while the light is red to prevent right-turning drivers from entering the intersection when left-turning ones are moving because the CFI left-turn lane crosses directly in front of the right-turn path. Some drivers are worried about right-turning drivers mistakenly making a right turn on red.

Moreover, some residents have expressed fear and nervousness when navigating the new system. This has led to some mistakes. For instance, 9NEWS crews captured a near miss when a driver turned into the new dedicated turn lane the wrong way. Luckily, no oncoming cars were in the lane at the time.

Wheat Ridge is doing its best to help drivers understand how the CFI works, ensuring they feel more confident using it. Police officers were on site when the CFI opened, guiding drivers into the dedicated lane. Officers have been stationed around the CFI to help residents understand the new traffic patterns. Additionally, the city officials stated that public education will continue to help residents acclimate over time.

Amanda Harrison, the Wheat Ridge communications manager, said, “We’re trying to educate people on how to use it, and once you figure it out, it’s really simple.” She also added that it’s important for drivers to educate themselves because once one uses the CFI, it makes sense, and it becomes intuitive, even if it’s intimidating at first.

Wheat Ridge opened its second CFI at West 44th Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard on December 16, 2025.

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While the CFI at Wadsworth Boulevard and 38th Avenue has improved safety, errors are being reported, including right-turning drivers ignoring the “No Right on Red” signs and left-turning ones driving into the dedicated lane the wrong way.