Arvada has extended its Olde Town street closures into 2021 to support the COVID-19 recovery efforts of local businesses, the Business Improvement District announced Monday.

The street closures will remain through March 31, more than nine months after they were established on June 12.

“It is critical to continue to do everything possible to support small businesses,” said Joe Hengstler, executive director of Olde Town Arvada BID.

“We want to give the public every opportunity to social distance and be safe while continuing to frequent their favorite Olde Town businesses.”

Since the street closures went into effect, businesses have used the roads to serve patrons in a socially distanced manor. Restaurants expanded patio seating and stores set up art demonstrations and sidewalk sales.

The city has also extended an open container executive order in Olde Town Arvada until March 31.

“So far, we’ve had some success in reopening businesses and keeping our local economy going,” Arvada Mayor Marc Williams said. “Extending the Olde Town street closure helps us sustain this progress.”

Entering winter months, the city of Arvada is also streamlining permitting processes for tents and outdoor heaters so businesses can continue to utilize the closed street space.

The Olde Town Arvada street closures include Grandview Avenue from Webster Street to Olde Wadsworth Boulevard and sections of Olde Wadsworth Boulevard between Grandview Avenue and Grant Place.

The block between 57th Avenue and Grant Place will open by Nov. 3 because of construction on Ralston Road.