West Elizabeth Bus Rapid Transit Design Project

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West Elizabeth Street is a major east-west arterial in Fort Collins that connects the Colorado State University (CSU) Main and Foothills campuses along a dense corridor of housing, restaurants, and retail.

In order to continue connecting those areas safely and efficiently, Transfort has launched plans to add Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) along the corridor.

BRT systems typically offer frequent trips on a fixed bus route. MAX service along the Mason Corridor in Fort Collins, which opened in 2014, is a local example of BRT service. The BRT along West Elizabeth will share a lane with vehicle traffic.

This map shows the project area, from Mason Street and the CSU campus to Overland Trail via West Plum Street and West Elizabeth Street.

About the project

The West Elizabeth Corridor will provide a direct, three-mile transportation connection between CSU's Main and Foothills Campuses, and will link directly to the existing MAX at Laurel Station. The corridor was chosen as a future BRT route due to its function as a critical three-mile link for CSU students and as a growing business and multi-family housing district.

More than 24,000 residents and 20,000 jobs are along the West Elizabeth corridor. This project's design will incorporate infrastructure supporting all modes including transit, bicycling, walking, and driving.

What’s happening now?

In summer 2023 the City of Fort Collins and CSU kicked off the final design project for BRT service along the West Elizabeth Street corridor. The design should be 100% complete in 2026.

This stage's work includes:

  • Development of a project management plan
  • Environmental clearances and mitigation
  • Public outreach
  • Vehicle procurement
  • Construction bid documents and construction plans, including:
    • Multi-modal roadway design
    • Structural plans
    • Drainage and water quality
    • Erosion control
    • Floodplain analysis
    • Utilities
    • Lighting/power
    • Traffic impact study
    • Landscaping
    • Environmental mitigation
    • Transit stops
    • Communications systems

These steps are necessary to advance the West Elizabeth project forward for possible Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding and future implementation.

In 2024 the City was awarded a grant for construction of the Foothills Transit Station and roundabout at Overland Trail and West Elizabeth Street. Since the City was awarded funding for the construction of the transit station and roundabout, we're prioritizing final design for that portion of the corridor. The City will still finalize design of the remaining corridor on a staggered timeline. The design for the Foothills Transit Station and roundabout at Overland Trail and West Elizabeth Street should be 100% complete in Spring 2026. 100% design completion for the remainder of the corridor (east of Overland Trail) is expected by the end of 2026.


How to use this page

This is an interactive webpage allowing you to subscribe for project updates, ask questions and browse project FAQs, which we update on a regular basis in response to questions we receive.


West Elizabeth Street is a major east-west arterial in Fort Collins that connects the Colorado State University (CSU) Main and Foothills campuses along a dense corridor of housing, restaurants, and retail.

In order to continue connecting those areas safely and efficiently, Transfort has launched plans to add Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) along the corridor.

BRT systems typically offer frequent trips on a fixed bus route. MAX service along the Mason Corridor in Fort Collins, which opened in 2014, is a local example of BRT service. The BRT along West Elizabeth will share a lane with vehicle traffic.

This map shows the project area, from Mason Street and the CSU campus to Overland Trail via West Plum Street and West Elizabeth Street.

About the project

The West Elizabeth Corridor will provide a direct, three-mile transportation connection between CSU's Main and Foothills Campuses, and will link directly to the existing MAX at Laurel Station. The corridor was chosen as a future BRT route due to its function as a critical three-mile link for CSU students and as a growing business and multi-family housing district.

More than 24,000 residents and 20,000 jobs are along the West Elizabeth corridor. This project's design will incorporate infrastructure supporting all modes including transit, bicycling, walking, and driving.

What’s happening now?

In summer 2023 the City of Fort Collins and CSU kicked off the final design project for BRT service along the West Elizabeth Street corridor. The design should be 100% complete in 2026.

This stage's work includes:

  • Development of a project management plan
  • Environmental clearances and mitigation
  • Public outreach
  • Vehicle procurement
  • Construction bid documents and construction plans, including:
    • Multi-modal roadway design
    • Structural plans
    • Drainage and water quality
    • Erosion control
    • Floodplain analysis
    • Utilities
    • Lighting/power
    • Traffic impact study
    • Landscaping
    • Environmental mitigation
    • Transit stops
    • Communications systems

These steps are necessary to advance the West Elizabeth project forward for possible Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding and future implementation.

In 2024 the City was awarded a grant for construction of the Foothills Transit Station and roundabout at Overland Trail and West Elizabeth Street. Since the City was awarded funding for the construction of the transit station and roundabout, we're prioritizing final design for that portion of the corridor. The City will still finalize design of the remaining corridor on a staggered timeline. The design for the Foothills Transit Station and roundabout at Overland Trail and West Elizabeth Street should be 100% complete in Spring 2026. 100% design completion for the remainder of the corridor (east of Overland Trail) is expected by the end of 2026.


How to use this page

This is an interactive webpage allowing you to subscribe for project updates, ask questions and browse project FAQs, which we update on a regular basis in response to questions we receive.


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  • Share Why are the busses going to share lanes with vehicles rather than having their own dedicated lanes? That seems like it will cause a lot of delays, like how the MAX does on Mason up by downtown past Laural. With Mulberry and Prospect being directly in between the Elizabeth corridor, thus having arterials for private vehicle access, doesn't it make sense to make Elizabeth open only to busses? on Facebook Share Why are the busses going to share lanes with vehicles rather than having their own dedicated lanes? That seems like it will cause a lot of delays, like how the MAX does on Mason up by downtown past Laural. With Mulberry and Prospect being directly in between the Elizabeth corridor, thus having arterials for private vehicle access, doesn't it make sense to make Elizabeth open only to busses? on Twitter Share Why are the busses going to share lanes with vehicles rather than having their own dedicated lanes? That seems like it will cause a lot of delays, like how the MAX does on Mason up by downtown past Laural. With Mulberry and Prospect being directly in between the Elizabeth corridor, thus having arterials for private vehicle access, doesn't it make sense to make Elizabeth open only to busses? on Linkedin Email Why are the busses going to share lanes with vehicles rather than having their own dedicated lanes? That seems like it will cause a lot of delays, like how the MAX does on Mason up by downtown past Laural. With Mulberry and Prospect being directly in between the Elizabeth corridor, thus having arterials for private vehicle access, doesn't it make sense to make Elizabeth open only to busses? link

    Why are the busses going to share lanes with vehicles rather than having their own dedicated lanes? That seems like it will cause a lot of delays, like how the MAX does on Mason up by downtown past Laural. With Mulberry and Prospect being directly in between the Elizabeth corridor, thus having arterials for private vehicle access, doesn't it make sense to make Elizabeth open only to busses?

    hshiro asked 29 days ago

    The full cost to build the West Elizabeth corridor is estimated at about $113 million. This estimate covers work within the existing street space. Adding a separate, bus-only lane would mean widening West Elizabeth Street, which would greatly increase the cost beyond the current estimate.

    Creating a continuous bus-only street on West Elizabeth is also difficult because the corridor has many driveways that connect to homes and businesses. These driveways need to stay open for cars, so making the entire street bus-only would block residents and business owners from reaching their properties. By comparison, the MAX guideway was able to include a dedicated bus lane for most of its length because it sits next to the rail line, where there are fewer access conflicts.

    To make transit faster within the existing street, the project will install Transit Signal Priority (TSP) at traffic lights. TSP helps buses move through intersections more quickly by extending green lights when a bus is approaching. The project will also add bus stop islands, which let buses stop in the travel lane instead of pulling over and merging back into traffic. And because buses on this route are fare-free, boarding is quicker, which reduces delays and makes service more reliable overall.

  • Share When do you expect the West Elizabeth Bus Rapid Transit to begin construction? on Facebook Share When do you expect the West Elizabeth Bus Rapid Transit to begin construction? on Twitter Share When do you expect the West Elizabeth Bus Rapid Transit to begin construction? on Linkedin Email When do you expect the West Elizabeth Bus Rapid Transit to begin construction? link

    When do you expect the West Elizabeth Bus Rapid Transit to begin construction?

    Elizabeth asked about 2 months ago

    The City hasn't been awarded funds for construction of the full West Elizabeth BRT corridor - however the City has been awarded a grant for construction specifically for the proposed Foothills Transit Station and roundabout at Overland Trail and West Elizabeth Street. Construction on this part of the project could begin in late 2026 with a one-year timeline to completion.

  • Share When is the projected start for the roundabout on west Elizabeth & Overland? on Facebook Share When is the projected start for the roundabout on west Elizabeth & Overland? on Twitter Share When is the projected start for the roundabout on west Elizabeth & Overland? on Linkedin Email When is the projected start for the roundabout on west Elizabeth & Overland? link

    When is the projected start for the roundabout on west Elizabeth & Overland?

    Redrich asked 3 months ago

    We expect construction to start in mid-September of 2026 and take a little over one year to complete (Fall 2027).

  • Share Two questions: 1) Is already funded "Phase One" *just* the roundabout and transit center at Elizabeth amnd Overland? Or will cover construction East from there along Elizabeth? If so, how far east will the funding take you? 2) When will you hear about possible Federal Funding assistance and release a timeline for construction/improvements beginning. Is that window closing with DOGE scrutiny of federal spending? on Facebook Share Two questions: 1) Is already funded "Phase One" *just* the roundabout and transit center at Elizabeth amnd Overland? Or will cover construction East from there along Elizabeth? If so, how far east will the funding take you? 2) When will you hear about possible Federal Funding assistance and release a timeline for construction/improvements beginning. Is that window closing with DOGE scrutiny of federal spending? on Twitter Share Two questions: 1) Is already funded "Phase One" *just* the roundabout and transit center at Elizabeth amnd Overland? Or will cover construction East from there along Elizabeth? If so, how far east will the funding take you? 2) When will you hear about possible Federal Funding assistance and release a timeline for construction/improvements beginning. Is that window closing with DOGE scrutiny of federal spending? on Linkedin Email Two questions: 1) Is already funded "Phase One" *just* the roundabout and transit center at Elizabeth amnd Overland? Or will cover construction East from there along Elizabeth? If so, how far east will the funding take you? 2) When will you hear about possible Federal Funding assistance and release a timeline for construction/improvements beginning. Is that window closing with DOGE scrutiny of federal spending? link

    Two questions: 1) Is already funded "Phase One" *just* the roundabout and transit center at Elizabeth amnd Overland? Or will cover construction East from there along Elizabeth? If so, how far east will the funding take you? 2) When will you hear about possible Federal Funding assistance and release a timeline for construction/improvements beginning. Is that window closing with DOGE scrutiny of federal spending?

    Mick Gusinde-Duffy asked 7 months ago

    Mick,

    Re: 1: Yes, the grant we were awarded for construction is specifically for the proposed Foothills Transit Station and roundabout at Overland Trail and West Elizabeth Street. The roundabout improvements will tie into the existing West Elizabeth roadway section just west of Cuerto Lane.

    Re: 2: The City hasn't been awarded funds for construction of the corridor but is moving forward with final design of the entire corridor. Design is currently fully funded with previously awarded state and federal grants. The City will also continue to work closely with all project stakeholders, including CSU to prioritize project components and phasing, as well as identify future potential funding sources and opportunities. 

  • Share What makes this a rapid transit route as opposed to a regular Transfort route? Is it just an issue of frequency? Or is there something that's being done that will actually speed up travel on this route? on Facebook Share What makes this a rapid transit route as opposed to a regular Transfort route? Is it just an issue of frequency? Or is there something that's being done that will actually speed up travel on this route? on Twitter Share What makes this a rapid transit route as opposed to a regular Transfort route? Is it just an issue of frequency? Or is there something that's being done that will actually speed up travel on this route? on Linkedin Email What makes this a rapid transit route as opposed to a regular Transfort route? Is it just an issue of frequency? Or is there something that's being done that will actually speed up travel on this route? link

    What makes this a rapid transit route as opposed to a regular Transfort route? Is it just an issue of frequency? Or is there something that's being done that will actually speed up travel on this route?

    Barefootmeg asked 10 months ago

    Hi Barefootmeg! Frequency as well as transit signal priority will be included in the project, which meet the criteria for bus rapid transit (BRT). While West Elizabeth BRT buses will share a lane with other vehicles, like MAX BRT buses do downtown, the buses and stops will be similar to that of MAX - and frequencies will be less than 10 minutes during peak hours.

  • Share Would there be bus signage that would show arrival times for the BRT and other busses? on Facebook Share Would there be bus signage that would show arrival times for the BRT and other busses? on Twitter Share Would there be bus signage that would show arrival times for the BRT and other busses? on Linkedin Email Would there be bus signage that would show arrival times for the BRT and other busses? link

    Would there be bus signage that would show arrival times for the BRT and other busses?

    Brennan asked 10 months ago

    Hi Brennan! Yes, our design plans include real-time bus arrival information at all BRT stops, similar to what riders currently see on our MAX BRT line.

  • Share Will the buses traveling the corridor be wheelchair accessible? Or, how many of them? I'm asking for a young man who is employed by CSU and is looking to purchase a house on W. Elizabeth and is wheelchair-bound but very independent and athletic. Thanks for your input! Kathy Bauer on Facebook Share Will the buses traveling the corridor be wheelchair accessible? Or, how many of them? I'm asking for a young man who is employed by CSU and is looking to purchase a house on W. Elizabeth and is wheelchair-bound but very independent and athletic. Thanks for your input! Kathy Bauer on Twitter Share Will the buses traveling the corridor be wheelchair accessible? Or, how many of them? I'm asking for a young man who is employed by CSU and is looking to purchase a house on W. Elizabeth and is wheelchair-bound but very independent and athletic. Thanks for your input! Kathy Bauer on Linkedin Email Will the buses traveling the corridor be wheelchair accessible? Or, how many of them? I'm asking for a young man who is employed by CSU and is looking to purchase a house on W. Elizabeth and is wheelchair-bound but very independent and athletic. Thanks for your input! Kathy Bauer link

    Will the buses traveling the corridor be wheelchair accessible? Or, how many of them? I'm asking for a young man who is employed by CSU and is looking to purchase a house on W. Elizabeth and is wheelchair-bound but very independent and athletic. Thanks for your input! Kathy Bauer

    kmb8804 asked 11 months ago

    Hi Kathy, yes! All our current buses are wheelchair accessible, and we can confirm that all buses and bus stops on the new West Elizabeth BRT line will be wheelchair accessible.

Page last updated: 12 Nov 2025, 11:41 AM