(codot.gov photo)

Construction has started to replace the Alameda Avenue (Colorado Highway 26) bridge over the South Platte River, a project designed to improve safety for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.

Originally constructed in 1911 and widened in 1966, it is the oldest bridge on the state highway system.

Ames Construction is the prime contractor for the $22.3 million project. It is scheduled for completion by the end of 2024.

In addition to replacing the bridge, the Colorado Department of Transportation project includes:

• Building a multi-modal corridor by modifying the West Alameda Avenue intersection at South Santa Fe Drive; removing South Platte River Drive between Alameda and Cedar Street; and diverting traffic to a widened South Lipan Street, north of Alameda;
• Reconstructing the South Platte River Trail with improved sight distances, including a 12-ft. concrete trail, a 4-ft. finely crushed stone trail and 3-ft. vegetated shoulders for an overall trail width of 22 ft.;
• Constructing an on-street, two-way protected bike lane on the north side of Alameda between South Lipan Street and South Kalamath Street with a connection to the South Platte River Trail;
• Installing a water quality pond; and
• Improving sidewalks on the north and south side of the bridge.

Schedule, Travel Impacts

Two lanes of the Alameda Bridge will remain open in each direction during construction, with the exception of bridge demolition work for public safety. Demolition work is anticipated to begin this spring, which would require an occasional overnight or weekend closure of the Alameda bridge.

During the initial phase of construction, Lipan Street will be built out in preparation for removing the South Platte River Drive intersection at Alameda Avenue. A closure of Lipan Street already is in place.

The South Platte River Trail will remain open but detoured around the construction zone where it crosses under Alameda Avenue. The trail will close intermittently during bridge demolition.

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