Part of Brighton Boulevard to close until early next year

DENVER -- Part of Brighton Boulevard is closing Friday until early next year as the Brighton Boulevard Corridor Redevelopment Project gets underway. 

The partial closure -- which is only affecting the northbound lanes -- is taking place because the city will install new storm sewer lines for better drainage. 

Northbound lanes will be closed from 38th to 44th Streets, but southbound Brighton Boulevard will remain open, according to officials. 

"Business access is going to be maintained the entire time," said Denver Public Works spokesperson Heather Burke. "So, we understand it is very frustrating right now, but when this is all said and done, people are going to be really happy with what they see." 

The sound of construction of new buildings and road work already echoes through the RiNo (River North) Arts District. 

"It's chaotic, it's dangerous because it affects my car so bad," said Michelle Kemberling, who uses the boulevard every day. 

A business owner along Brighton is also noticing the changes, which he says have been many since he moved to the area 10 years ago. 

"It was often referred to as, 'you don't go up there after dark,'" Jonathan Kaplan told Denver7. 

But now, RiNo is well-known as one of the booming areas in Denver with its blooming shops, restaurants, and dispensaries popping up all over the neighborhood.