Our drive to make positive change in our communities is about more than just technical work–it’s equally from the deep personal connection we all have to the places we work–which happens for us to be places we live and play as well.
As a leading planning, design, sustainable engineering, and project management firm, we bring our expertise to natural and built environments a cross the United States, making them more vibrant, beautiful, and functional.
Since our founding in 1981, our urban designers, architects, engineers, planners, landscape architects, surveyors, and project managers have demonstrated that it is possible to be both practical and innovative. It is what we do; but why we do it is equally important and it has led us to our best work: whether that is integrating transit into a dense urban neighborhood or engaging with a community to put a mixed-use high-rise in a sensitive communi ty context or working in the unique and sacred environment of a National Park. We are deeply interested and invested in the projects we do, with a passion for our clients’ vision. With a team of multi-disciplinary experts, we add dive rse experience and a forward-thinking approach to every project. We carefully cons ider how our work will affect future generations and that leads us to novel y et effective ways of addressing common challenges.
Firm Profile
Otak is about people.
Our values don’t end or begin in the workplace.
We value the places we live, work, and play, and the people who make these places a community. We work in teams that share our values, and working together with clients, partners, and colleagues, we create places that enrich our lives and the lives of future generations. We live these values every day through our work, charitable activities, and how we spend our time with family and friends.
We are realizing communities and places that once could only be imagined.
Our values form the basis for the projects we plan, design, and manage – from public building and civic spaces, to natural systems of wetlands, rivers and woodlands, to national parks and neighborhood playgrounds, to privately funded buildings that define our public spaces. In all of our work, our core values guide us to deliver more than just projects; we create communities and places that will preserve the environment and benefit people for many years to come.
Why we come to work.
We strive for excellence in everything we do. We build lasting relationships with the people we work with – from clients, to partners and colleagues. We pursue growth through learning and doing. We do work that enriches the communities where we live, work, and play. We deliver great projects. We come to work every day to enjoy and engage in that journey.
We are Otak.
OUR PEOPLE
Henry Alaman
ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Henry brings over 30 years of proven leadership and superior management skills to his position with Otak. He is an attentive and flexible negotiator who communicates effectively at all levels. Henry is a team player who thrives on working collaboratively to achieve a common goal. He is exceptionally skilled in planning, organizing, and managing projects to successful completion regardless of the size of the program.
BRIDGES & STRUCTURES
David is a structural engineer, bridge inspector, and project manager who utilizes his diverse experience in a variety of structural engineering projects—from buildings to bridges, retrofits to new construction, and timber to steel and concrete. His structural design and project management experience includes bridge and building design, structure modification, bridge rehabilitation (including historic bridges), alternatives analysis, cost estimation, and construction engineering.
Matthew Neish AIA ARCHITECTURE
Matt has 37 years of experience delivering exceptional results in the design and project management of retail, residential, and commercial projects. His meticulous approach ensures projects are aesthetically impressive and executed with precision and efficiency. His leadership ensures seamless coordination between stakeholders, architects, and contractors, fostering an environment that promotes innovation and efficient project execution.
Patrick is a construction project engineer with 10 years of experience. He has worked on a wide range of projects for the State of Colorado, which has allowed him to gain a strong knowledge of the ins and outs of both federal and state processes and contracts. Patrick has a passion for ensuring a smooth and cooperative enterprise between all parties involved in a project and has a successful track record of working alongside contractors and stakeholders.
David Graff PE
Patrick Pease PE
CONSTRUCTION MGMT.
Cliff Lind PLA, LEED AP
PLANNING & LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Cliff leads the Otak Colorado planning, urban design, and landscape architecture practice. A lifelong resident of the Front Range, he has in-depth knowledge of the local communities and their planning context. He collaborates with engineers to translate ideas into built solutions. Throughout his career, Cliff has created public places and corridors that foster an active pedestrian environment focused on connectivity and creating destinations.
Scott Belonger
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION & TRAILS
Scott is Otak’s Trails Practice Area Manager and has served as project manager and engineer on numerous projects since 2000. Scott has been involved in the planning, design, and management of over $400 million in trail, path, roadway, streetscape, traffic calming, underpass, and bridge projects. Many of Scott’s projects required aesthetic designs in extremely difficult locations. This varied experience gives him uncommon knowledge of all aspects of design and project management.
Ann Nguyen PLA, LEED GREEN
ASSOCIATE, SITES AP, SEED
PLANNING & LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Ann is a planner and designer who works across all phases of projects, serving public and nonprofit entities locally and internationally with landscape architecture, community outreach, urban design, and planning services. She leads public interest-based projects and creates accessible and equitable design solutions for open spaces, National Parks, and civic landscapes.
Tracy Emmanuel PE
WATER & NATURAL RESOURCES
Tracy is a senior project manager and fluvial geomorphologist, leading Otak’s water and natural resources practice throughout Colorado. She has managed numerous channel/floodplain restoration, diversion/ fish passage design, and bank stabilization projects that focused on geomorphicallyappropriate and habitat-enhancing features taking the projects from conceptual design through construction.
Kevin Dooley PE, ENV, SP
TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE
Kevin has 17 years of civil engineering experience, including designing and managing a variety of complex transportation and civil improvement projects. His expertise includes roadway and trail design, drainage, and utility design of local agencies and federally funded projects. His hands-on approach to management and design will ensure that the project will have a solid set of construction documents that CDOT and reviewing agencies will approve.
ARCHITECTURE
Otak’s award-winning architecture team works handin-hand with clients to create their vision and support their communities. We offer design services in multifamily housing, industrial, civic, recreational, and mixed-use structures.
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT & INSPECTION
Otak understands the challenges that local agencies, business owners, and community organizations face while undertaking construction projects—navigating those is what we do best. We ensure projects are meticulously managed and documented to exceed all funding requirements.
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING BRIDGES
Otak’s extensive experience with vehicular, pedestrian bridge and underpass projects empowers us to offer unique solutions for any job site. We plan with an emphasis on multi-modal use and crossing design that blends into existing spaces.
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
Otak delivers unique solutions through our interdisciplinary approach to structural engineering including bridges, buildings, and specialty structures, keeping project management focused, centralized, and efficient.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Otak’s landscape architects use the character of the land to define the opportunities and constraints of development. This balances the natural landscape with man-made structures, and vice versa.
PLANNING & URBAN DESIGN
Otak’s planning practice focuses on two fundamental objectives: creating livable communities and setting the stage for feasible implementation. Services range from neighborhood design to regional policy analysis.
TRANSPORTATION, INFRASTRUCTURE, & TRAILS
Otak’s transportation and structural designers offer the expertise necessary to accommodate our often-aging road systems while being mindful of cost, safety, and how each structure fits within its environment.
WATER & NATURAL RESOURCES
Otak’s water and natural resources staff solve surface water challenges in streams, rivers, floodplains, and wetlands, as well as with management of the urban drainage system. They produce analysis and reporting to satisfy local, state, and federal compliance requirements.
CDOT Local Agency Experience
Otak is adept at navigating the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Local Agency process that brings federal funding to transportation projects, having worked on nearly 50 applicable pedestrian safety and intersection improvement, trail, underpass, pedestrian bridge, and construction management projects over the past 30+ years.
We have recently concluded working with CDOT Region 4 Local Agency Coordinators on a handful of projects, including the Coffman Street Busway Improvements (City of Longmont) and Little Thompson River Trail (Town of Johnstown) projects.
Pedestrian Safety and
Intersection Improvements
• Coffman Street Busway Improvements; Longmont, CO (CDOT R4)
• North Broadway Pedestrian Improvements; Boulder, CO
• West Pearl Street Streetscape; Boulder, CO (CDOT R4)
• Diagonal Highway (CO 119) Reconstruction—28th to Foothills Parkway; Boulder, CO (CDOT R4)
• Nederland Downtown Streetscape; Nederland, CO (CDOT R4)
WONDERLAND CREEK UNDERPASS
• Lyons US 36 Beautification Project; Lyons, CO (CDOT R4)
• Lyons Main Street Enhancement Project; Lyons, CO (CDOT R4)
• South Boulder Road Reconstruction; Louisville, CO
• North 75th Street Pedestrian Crossing; Boulder, CO
• Sunset Road Street Diet; Longmont, CO
• County Line Road Sidewalks; Erie, CO (CDOT R4)
• 30th Street Bikeway and Pedestrian Safety Improvements; Boulder, CO (CDOT R4)
Underpasses
• CO 119 Pedestrian Underpass at Hover Street; Longmont, CO (CDOT R4)
• CO 119 and Airport Road Underpass and Trail; Boulder, CO (CDOT R4)
• McCaslin Boulevard Underpass; Louisville, CO
• Elmer’s Two-mile Creek Underpass; Boulder, CO (CDOT R4)
• Wonderland Creek Underpass; Boulder, CO (CDOT R4)
• 30th Street and Colorado Avenue Underpass; Boulder, CO (CDOT R4)
SOUTH BOULDER ROAD RECONSTURCTION
Construction Management/ Inspection Services
• Foothills/Valmont Operational Improvements, Boulder, CO (CDOT R4)
• Broadway/Euclid Roadway and Underpass Improvements, Boulder (CDOT R4)
• 28th Street & Pearl Street Intersection, Boulder (CDOT R4)
• 28th Street Overlay, Boulder (CDOT R4)
• 28th Street Reconstruction Phases I & II, Baseline Rd to Boulder Creek, Boulder (CDOT R4)
• CO 119 at Airport Road, Boulder County (CDOT R4)
• Nederland Downtown Streetscape, Nederland (CDOT R4)
Pedestrian Bridges
• Fort Lupton Pedestrian Bridge; Fort Lupton, CO (DOTR4)
• Fall River Trail Extension; Estes Park, CO (CDOT R4)
Bikeways, Shared Use Paths and Trails
• CO 119 Bikeway, Boulder County, CO (R4)
• North Foothills Bikeway Feasability Study, Boulder County, CO
• Rock Creek Trail Connection at Dillon Road; Boulder County, CO (CDOT R4)
• Rock Creek Trail Connection at Coalton Drive; Boulder County (CDOT R4)
• Fall River Trail Extension; Estes Park, CO (CDOT R4)
• Superior Trail—McCaslin BRT to Davidson Mesa; Superior, CO (CDOT R4)
• Superior Trail—US 36 Bikeway Extension (Superior to Broomfield); Superior, CO (CDOT R4)
• Little Thompson River Trail; Johnstown, CO (CDOT R4)
• CO 119/SH 52 Bikeway Improvements and Pedestrian Bridges; Boulder County, CO (CDOT R4)
• Erie Parkway Bike Lanes; Erie, CO (CDOT R4)
• East County Line Road Bike Lanes; Erie, CO (CDOT R4)
• Town of Mead Trail—Feather Ridge; Mead, CO (CDOT R4)
• Town of Mead Trail—3rd Street Bike Path; Mead, CO (CDOT R4)
CO 119 UNDERPASS AIRPORT ROAD
FORT LUPTON PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
Architecture
• Recreation & Visitors Centers
• Multi-Family Residential
• Affordable Housing
• High Rise Mixed-Use - Residential & Hospitality
Rocky Mountain National Park Fall River Entrance
LOCATION: Estes Park, CO
CLIENT: National Park Service
the park proceeded with this project to improve and modernize operations.
Otak worked through the preliminary design (PD)/SD workflows process and completed project scoping, budget validation, initial alternative development, alternative analysis/refinement and life cycle costing, as well as the EA tasks including public scoping, public involvement, data analysis and synthesizing, and preparation of EA draft and final documentation. After selection of a preferred alternative guided by the NEPA planning process and value-based decision making, Otak worked with NPS staff to produce a final schematic design report.
Devils Tower National
Monument
Visitor Center
LOCATION: Devils Tower, WY
CLIENT: National Park Service
This monument is rich with significant natural and cultural resources. Otak was able to expound upon these resources and provided architecture, landscape architecture, structural, and civil engineering services to improve/upgrade both universal design and parking facilities through the Targeted Accessibility Improvement Program (TAIP). The goal of the TAIP is high-potential, high-impact projects resulting in examples of best practice by holistically implementing the principles of universal design at prominent experiences/facilities throughout the NPS. The holistic experience includes learning about Devils Tower on the website prior to the trip, arriving at the visitor center parking area, using the facilities in and around the parking area (parking spaces, sidewalks, restrooms, information kiosks, wayfinding, and orientation), and all routes to and from various facilities. Project elements included a new and accessible route to the Tower Trail, interpretive waysides and plaza, walkways, a visitor center and climber registration office, exhibits inside the visitor center, parking lot improvements, and a vehicular drop-off area.
Construction Management & Inspection
• Construction Administration
• Constructability Reviews & Scheduling
• Inspection
US 36 Bike-N-Ride
Shelters & Amenities
LOCATION: Broomfield, CO
CLIENT: City and County of Broomfield
Otak provided design and construction management services for these bike shelters at three locations along the US 36 corridor. This included two locations (east and westbound US 36) at the US 36 and Flatiron Station, and one location (eastbound US 36) at the US 36 and Broomfield Station. The project installed a bike shelter at each location, containing a total of 68 double-tier back racks, with a key card operating lock system. Each location also featured a new fix it and air station. At westbound Flatirons, a new curb, gutter and sidewalk were installed after having to reroute the existing sanitary and water line. Final irrigation, seeding, and landscaping were performed after all three bike shelters were installed.
This was a federally funded CDOT Local Agency project. Otak performed construction management on behalf of the City and County of Broomfield. The team included a licensed project engineer, a senior inspector, and a materials testing subconsultant.
West 92nd Ave. and Harlan St. Safety Improvements
LOCATION: Westminster, CO
Otak provided transportation design services for this project. The project goals for 92nd Avenue were to provide safer conditions for all users while incorporating improved multimodal facilities and on-street parking along Harlan Street. This was achieved by reducing the existing five-lane vehicle travel facility to a three-lane facility, adding buffered bicycle lanes, providing missing sidewalks, and adding two highly visible pedestrian crossings in strategic locations. West 92nd Avenue had a confusing westbound merge situation between the US 36 off-ramp through Westminster Boulevard to Ingalls Street. To improve the safety of the corridor, unnecessary travel lanes at Eaton Street and at Westminster Boulevard were terminated by removing the outermost westbound 92nd Avenue travel lane between Eaton Street and Westminster Boulevard and by creating a dedicated right turn lane at Ingalls Street. Otak is currently providing construction management/inspection services for the construction phase of this project.
South Boulder Road
At-Grade Crossing Improvements
LOCATION: Louisville, CO
CLIENT: CDOT and City of Louisville
Otak is providing construction management, materials testing, and inspection services for the South Boulder Road At-Grade Crossing Improvements project. Funded by both CDOT and the City of Louisville, the project involves a series of several roadway improvements at 5 different intersections including the installation of a Pedestrian Hawk Signal. Tasks include construction inspection, construction administration, construction administration, construction testing, submittal review, permitting, bidding assistance, and other construction management tasks, which will be performed in accordance with CDOT Local Agency project requirements and other grant requirements.
Planning and Urban Design
• Planning & Land Development
• Urban Design
• Master Planning
• Comprehensive Planning
• Streetscape
• National Park & Federal Lands
• Parks & Open Spaces
• Landscape Architecture
RiNo Design Guidelines and Design Overlay Zone
LOCATION: Denver, CO
CLIENT: RiNo Business Improvement District (BID)
Otak was hired by the RiNo Business Improvement District (BID) to create community-supported design guidelines for development projects. At the neighborhood’s request, these design guidelines will not be enforced by the city, but by the BID. This is to ensure the neighborhood continues to control the process and allows for the creativity that is a hallmark of RiNo. To help the BID leverage peer pressure in this process, Otak created a rating system associated with the design guidelines that will celebrate excellent projects. Otak presented the ideas and concepts to key community stakeholders, to the three RiNo boards, and at public meetings. As a result of feedback through this community process, and the anticipated future additional density around the 38th and Blake commuter rail station, RiNo felt that more powerful tools were necessary. To address this, Cliff led the community process to create a RiNo Design Overlay Zone. This overlay zone will provide stronger protection for key community values and require affordable housing for larger projects.
Boulder to Erie Regional Trail Study
LOCATION: Boulder, CO
CLIENT: Boulder County
Boulder County, in partnership with the City of Boulder and Town of Erie, is seeking options for safe east-west multi-use connectivity in Central Boulder County. This multi-use trail will provide a safe, low stress connection between Erie and Boulder for bicyclists, equestrians, and walkers. The value of ecological and cultural resources along the trail and in the area will inform its location and design. Opportunities to rest or linger will be provided, and they will be paired with educational exhibits. This trail will be an important part of Boulder County’s regional trail system, and it will connect to other local and regional trails. Access points and trailheads will be located along the corridor. Success in this project will be characterized by a stakeholder and community supported search for multi-use connectivity options, evaluation of those alternatives, and selection of a preferred alternative.
Structural Engineering
• Bridges
• Underpasses
19th and 23rd Street
Bridges, University of Colorado
LOCATION : Boulder, CO
CLIENT: University of Colorado, Boulder
The University of Colorado’s main campus in Boulder, CO, is separated from areas containing student housing and residential neighborhoods that separated Boulder Creek, the Boulder Creek Trail, a riparian corridor, and a 30 to 60-foot-tall elevation differential. For the construction of the 19th Street and 23rd Street bridges, CU envisioned a “bridge through the canopy” that weaves pedestrians through trees, connecting them to the surrounding environment while also getting them to where they needed to go. To minimize fabrication efforts and construction cost, a series of identical straight 30-foot steel spans were utilized at the maximum ADA compliant slope to make the bridge no longer than it needed to be. Each pier landing serves as a turn point for the pathway to create an overall curve shape out of a series of straight lines. The piers are supported by a single concrete column founded on either a caisson or a micropile foundation, depending on the terrain. Custom railings were developed using weathering steel plates and stainless-steel cables to minimize materials so to not obstruct the bridge user from the surrounding natural beauty.
Lincoln Avenue Bridge
LOCATION : Fort Collins, CO
CLIENT: City of Fort Collins
Otak was the bridge design consultant for the reconstruction of E. Lincoln Avenue from Willow Street to Lemay Avenue in Fort Collins. The project provides a gateway to the several prominent breweries located in this area, and the bridge is the focal point of the design.
Otak designed an asymmetric, two-span bridge that is 195 feet long and 65.5 feet wide. The bridge utilized side-by-side concrete box girders to reduce structure depth for hydraulic and path clearance purposes. BHA designed the plaza on the north side of the bridge to create an urban parklet. Pergolas and benches, with structural design by Otak, provide interesting places to meet and relax. Brick pavers add to the sense of space and irrigated planters act as bollards to provide additional safety.
SH 119 Pedestrian Underpass at Hover Street
LOCATION : Longmont, CO
CLIENT: City of Longmont
The SH 119 Pedestrian Underpass at Hover Street is located just south of the intersection of SH 119 and Hover Street, adjacent to the Oskar Blues restaurant. To promote pedestrian use and safety, an RTD bus pad was relocated directly on top of the underpass, and a “jug handle” link trail was also provided. The space within the jug handle was used to create a plaza area with bike lockers and site amenities. A high level of aesthetics in the form of multiple concrete formliners and pilaster columns with a masonry veneer was included on the underpass and headwalls. A detention facility was also added to manage drainage from SH 119 and the adjacent business property. Due to the complex intersection geometry and high traffic volumes, the project was constructed using a three-phase maintenance of traffic approach. The underpass is 132-feet-long, 8.5-feet-tall, and 16-feet-wide.
Structural Engineering
• Bridge Inspection & Repairs
• Specialty Structures
Varsity Pond Dam and Bridge Repair
LOCATION : Boulder, CO
CLIENT: University of Colorado, Boulder
Otak completed a condition assessment of a two-span historic concrete arch bridge with masonry veneer on the University of Colorado Boulder’s campus to provide repair and rehabilitation recommendations. An assessment report was prepared for the University detailing the extents and cause of degradation throughout the structure. Consulting with contractors and product specialists, three levels of rehabilitation with a cost estimate for each were provided to the University who selected the preferred option. Construction plans and specifications that included masonry veneer repointing, concrete repair, and deck drainage improvements were developed that would extend the life of the structure while adhering to the University’s standards.
Aurora Pedestrian Bridge Inspections
LOCATION : Aurora, CO
CLIENT: City of Aurora
In the Fall of 2020, through our on-call engineering services contract with Aurora PROS, Otak was selected to perform inspection and repair services for Pedestrian Bridge #11 due to our streamlined approach of having bridge engineers who inspect perform the work, rather than inspectors who only inspect and separate engineers design repairs. In this case, the west abutment experienced significant scour due to roadway drainage. The scour extended beneath the abutment and approach pavement, threatening a sudden and potentially hazardous failure. Otak performed the inspection concurrent with developing repair recommendations and ensuing rehabilitation plans. In August 2022, Otak was selected to conduct inspections and provide rehabilitation recommendations of 85 additional pedestrian bridges throughout Aurora’s parks and open space system.
Glacier National Park
Bridge Preservation
LOCATION : Columbia Falls, MT
CLIENT: National Park Service
This project focused on repair and rehabilitation of thirteen bridges located within sensitive environments throughout Glacier National Park. The work included a variety of treatments including deck repair, approach repair, timber pile replacement & preservation, repair of undermined foundations, scour mitigation, timber curb replacement, concrete repair, and other site improvements. Bridge types include pre-stressed concrete multi-girder, steel multigirder, concrete culvert, prestressed concrete tee beam, and prestressed concrete slab beam. As a subconsultant to VHB, Otak’s structural engineers provided the technical leadership on this task order. Otak also provided onsite independent bridge assessments and inspections to confirm required repairs and completed all phases of design and construction documents (30, 70, 95, and 100% PS&E). Otak has recently been hired to provide Title III construction administration services for the project.
Transportation
Active
• Roadway Design Engineering
• Transportation Planning
• Pedestrian & Bicycle Facility Design
• Transit Planning & Design
• Bridges & Structures
Down Valley Connector Trail Feasibility
LOCATION: Telluride, CO
CLIENT: San Miguel County
Otak is partnering with San Miguel County to perform a feasibility study for the County’s proposed Down Valley Connector Trail, an approximately 3.4-mile-long multimodal trail that runs parallel to both the San Miguel River and Highway 145. If the feasibility study proves successful, the proposed trail would create a safe passage for pedestrians and cyclists between the County’s Down Valley Park and the Town of Telluride. Otak will identify potential trail alignments, and a preferred alternative alignment will be selected. The goals of this study are to identify the boundaries of the proposed trail, identify potential obstacles including the development of solutions and cost estimates, evaluate the natural, cultural, and historic assets along the corridor with suggestions on how to connect trail users to these resources, and to identify trail linkages and connection. In addition, the study will include some public involvement through community surveys and public meetings.
Animas River Trail North: Memorial to Oxbow Park
LOCATION: Durango, CO
CLIENT: City of Durango Parks and Recreation Department
An Otak-led team expanded upon the conceptual design (after performing an extensive alignment study and alternative analysis) by working with the City of Durango Parks and Recreation Department to extend the Animas River Trail north from Memorial Park to the proposed Oxbow Park on the north end of the city. This approximately one-mile, multi-phase extension of 10-footwide concrete multi-use trail includes three segments. Segment 1 consists entirely of an underpass beneath the existing 32nd Street bridge, a separate pedestrian bridge over Animas River adjacent to 32nd Street, and an at-grade crossing of the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Segment 2 extends the trail north from Animas City Park through a very narrow corridor constrained by topography, existing utilities, and the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to E. 36th Street. The third and longest segment includes an at-grade trail crossing of the railroad at E. 36th Street and a stretch of trail near existing grade that is tucked between railroad clear zone and private property. This phase includes roadway, drainage, and private driveway improvements necessary for trail construction.
Transportation
• Roadway Design
• Transportation Planning
• Pedestrian & Bicycle Facility Design
• Transit Planning & Design
30th Street and Colorado Avenue
Protected Intersection and Underpass
LOCATION: Boulder, CO
CLIENTS: City of Boulder
Otak developed construction documents for a bicycle and pedestrian underpass at one of the City of Boulder’s most congested intersections at 30th Street and Colorado Avenue. The City’s goal was to provide for improved multimodal transportation (pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and vehicle) at the intersection of the two roads and provide a grade-separated crossing that was functional and minimally impactful to the project area, while providing aesthetic enhancements and upgrades with a future master planned land use changes in mind. These corridors, and the intersection, are essential transportation routes for University of Colorado (CU) students and commuting routes for the general public. The 30th & Colorado Bike and Pedestrian Underpass project will provide important safety, accessibility, mobility, and drainage improvements to the intersection of 30th Street and Colorado Avenue.
Coffman Street Mobility Improvements
LOCATION: Longmont, CO
CLIENTS: City of Longmont
Otak led the design for the Coffman Street Mobility Improvements project, which forms the northern terminus of the SH 119 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project between Boulder and Longmont. Otak has worked in a cohesive, cross-office collaboration to bring the vision for Coffman Street, from 2nd Avenue to 9th Avenue, to life. Coffman Street is becoming a worldclass, multi-modal corridor to support residents, businesses, visitors, bicyclists, pedestrians, commuters, the environment, and the broader Longmont community. When constructed, Coffman Street will have combined community members’ input with technical design expertise to develop a new streetscape with wider sidewalks, updated traffic patterns, improved bus service, and landscaping. The goals of the project are to increase safety for all modes of travel; preserve community character; minimize cost and maintenance needs and improve access for all modes. In addition, the character of the existing street is being maintained by protecting existing mature trees.
Diagonal Highway
(SH 119 Reconstruction)
LOCATION: Boulder, CO
CLIENTS: City of Boulder Public Works
Otak finalized construction documents for this 3/4-mile federally-funded, CDOT Region 4 reconstruction of the Diagonal Highway (SH 119) with concrete pavement. The entire roadway section was modified with new curb and gutter and raised medians; and drainage improvements provided. Pedestrian and dedicated bicycle facilities were designed to accommodate anticipated future uses and connections to this underutilized part of the City. Since this is the major northeastern gateway into Boulder, landscaping and public art were incorporated into the design and construction. In addition to the roadway and drainage work, multiple pedestrian, bicycle and transit-oriented improvements were incorporated into the design. One-way, detached, bike-only facilities (cycletracks), were included in lieu of typical on-street bike lanes. A 10-foot-wide, multi-use path was also included on the south side of the highway, and a bike-sharing “B-Cycle” station was included along with a “Bus-Then-Bike Shelter” for transit stations.
Water & Natural Resources
• Environmental Sciences
• Water Resource Planning
• River & Stream Restoration
• Stormwater Planning and Design
St. Vrain Creek
Longmont Supply Stream Restoration
LOCATION: Boulder County, CO
CLIENT: Boulder County Parks & Open Space (BCPOS)
The Otak team worked with BCPOS and project stakeholders to restore a reach of St. Vrain Creek that sustained substantial flood damage in 2013. Otak worked with BPCOS, two ditch companies, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, US Fish and Wildlife, and Department of Water Resources to complete an alternatives analysis evaluating various bypass structure designs and channel alignments. The alternatives needed to address many project constraints, including minimizing water surface rises to avoid a CLOMR, minimizing disturbance to existing Preble’s meadow jumping mouse habitat, and avoiding disturbance to ditches’ ability to divert legally decreed water rights. A detailed geomorphic assessment and 2D hydraulic modeling effort guided the alternatives analysis evaluating various bypass structure designs and channel alignments. Otak led the final design and oversaw construction of the preferred alternative, which includes floodplain grading in the form of benches and overflow channels throughout the reach, site-wide native riparian revegetation, and aquatic and terrestrial habitat improvements.
Bear Creek Park
Stream Corridor Analysis
LOCATION: Denver, CO
CLIENT: Denver Parks and Recreation
Otak collaborated with the Mile High Flood District to identify a stream management corridor (SMC) for Bear Creek in anticipation of the Bear Creek Park Master Plan initiated by Denver Parks and Recreation. The goal of the SMC effort was to inform the master plan process by providing a delineation of the space needed to allow a stream to function in a way that replicates natural processes to the extent possible. Otak completed a geomorphic assessment and detailed Fluvial Hazard Zone delineation using the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) Colorado Fluvial Hazard Zone (FHZ) Delineation. Otak provided MHFD and Denver a delineation of a stream management corridor for Bear Creek to be used for their future planning of Bear Creek Park, to minimize potential impacts to infrastructure (i.e., planning for higher value infrastructure to be located outside of the FHZ to minimize impact from fluvial hazards). Additionally, if the FHZ area can be preserved, this will provide Bear Creek with the room it needs to adjust in response to flow or sediment load changes.
OREGON
Portland Headquarters
808 SW Third Ave. Suite 800
Portland, OR 97204 (503) 287-6825
WASHINGTON
Redmond Office 11241 Willows Road NE Suite 200
Redmond, WA 98052 (425) 822-4446
Salem Office
3400 State Street, Suite G730
Salem, OR 97301
Everett Office 2828 Colby Ave. Suite 401 Everett, WA 98201 (425) 493-5221
Vancouver Office 700 Washington St. Suite 300 Vancouver, WA 98660 (360) 737-9613
COLORADO
Louisville Office 371 Centennial Parkway, Suite 210 Louisville, CO 80027 (303) 444-2073
Denver Office 1444 Wazee Street, Suite 100 Denver, CO 80202 (303) 444-2073
