LAKEWOOD, Colo. (KDVR) — A pedestrian tunnel along Wadsworth Boulevard that neighbors recently called unsafe looks markedly different less than 24 hours after FOX31’s initial report aired Monday night.
By Tuesday afternoon, construction crews had painted over graffiti, cleared trash and moved along people who had been loitering, and Lakewood police officers were on site patrolling and confiscating contraband, according to observations by FOX31 at the scene.
Residents say the change is obvious.
“I just feel more calm here now than … two days ago,” one commuter told FOX31 on Wednesday. “Two days [ago] I rode the bus later around 5 or 6, and I did see some of that. But at this time, I am not seeing that.”
Earlier this week, neighbors described the temporary tunnel—installed to help pedestrians cross busy Wadsworth Boulevard during construction—as a magnet for illegal activity.
“Drug use, people sleeping in there…people having cots and beds in there, sleeping, doing all sorts of drug activity, indecent exposure,” Lakewood resident Corey said.
What’s changing at Lakewood pedestrian tunnel
Graffiti removed, trash cleared: Crews repainted tunnel walls and cleaned the corridor.
Enforcement on site: Lakewood police increased patrols and seized contraband during spot checks.
Policy step next: Construction crews told FOX31 that “No Loitering” signs are expected to go up in the coming days, which police say will give officers additional authority to keep the area safe.
Why it matters
The tunnel is intended to provide a safe crossing during road work on Wadsworth. Residents had reported feeling unsafe using it; now, many say the conditions are improving quickly.
What’s next
Lakewood police say patrols will continue as the No Loitering signage is installed. FOX31 will monitor the site and follow up to make sure the improvements last.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
