The Reed Street Corridor Project is an ambitious endeavor aimed at revitalizing Reed Street in Cheyenne’s West Edge. This initiative seeks to transform the existing Reed Street right-of-way into a dynamic public space. The vision encompasses creating safe and accessible pedestrian and bicycle routes, establishing community gathering spots and event venues, and fostering economic growth within the area. Crucially, the project is designed to celebrate the rich history of the Reed Street corridor while adapting it for modern community needs. The existing BNSF railroad track will remain an integral part of the landscape, thoughtfully separated from the new public space.
Spanning Reed Street from 15th Street to 23rd Street, the project area also extends to include several blocks adjacent to the corridor, maximizing its impact and integration within the West Edge neighborhood.
Project Status and Timeline
Currently, the Reed Street Corridor Project is in the crucial design phase, initiated following a Request for Proposal (RFP) process in early 2023. Utility location work within the Reed Street corridor was undertaken throughout 2023 and 2024, laying the groundwork for development. The final design is anticipated to be completed in early 2025, marking a significant milestone in the project’s progression.
Funding for the ongoing design work is partially sourced from the 6th Penny sales tax, which received voter approval in 2021, demonstrating community support for such initiatives. Looking ahead, securing funding for the construction phase is a key priority for the City, which is actively collaborating with BNSF Railway to ensure the project’s successful implementation.
A significant boost to the project came in January 2025 when the City was awarded a $2.56 million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration. This grant is specifically earmarked for the initial phase of improvements to the Reed Street Corridor, highlighting the federal government’s recognition of the project’s value.
Public Engagement and Community Input
The design phase of the Reed Street Corridor Project emphasizes public involvement, recognizing the importance of community voices in shaping public spaces. City staff hosted a public meeting on October 26, 2023, to discuss potential railroad crossing closures at 18th and 21st streets. Current plans indicate proposed closures at 17th and 18th streets and Dillon Avenue, decisions informed by public safety and project functionality considerations.
As the Reed Street project advances through its stages, the City is committed to holding further public meetings, ensuring ongoing opportunities for community input and feedback at each key juncture.
Historical Significance of Reed Street
The Reed Street corridor’s origins trace back to the early 1900s. At that time, the City of Cheyenne granted a railroad easement within Reed Street. This decision was instrumental in enhancing rail access for businesses located on Cheyenne’s west side, facilitating economic activity and industrial growth. The railroad easement is currently operated by BNSF Railway, continuing a long legacy of rail transport in the area.
Over the decades, a shift occurred as fewer industrial properties relied on the railroad corridor for deliveries. By 2017, the Wyoming Tribune Eagle stood as the primary recipient of rail deliveries. This evolution prompted the conception of the Reed Street Corridor Project. The project is envisioned as a way to honor and preserve the historical significance and existing function of the corridor, while creatively reimagining it as a valuable community asset for the future.
The Reed Street Corridor Project is directly informed by the Cheyenne MPO’s 2018 Reed Avenue Corridor Plan. This comprehensive plan was developed with substantial public input gathered through public meetings and a multi-day design charrette held in 2017, ensuring community needs and desires were central to the planning process.
Underlying the Reed Avenue Corridor Plan is the City’s 2016 West Edge Area-wide Plan. This broader plan serves as a guiding document for economic redevelopment in the West Edge area, and the Reed Street Corridor project is a key component of the larger revitalization efforts underway in Cheyenne’s West Edge, complementing numerous other public and private redevelopment initiatives.
