The oldest bridge in Colorado’s highway system is about to be rebuilt, a $22.3 million project designed to give drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians safer routes across the South Platte River in Denver.
Colorado Department of Transportation contractors have launched construction to replace the Alameda Avenue Bridge, which dates to 1911. It was widened in 1966. The work should be done by the end of 2024, CDOT officials announced this week.
Historical photos show an unpaved bridge across the river at that location before 1910. Photos also show an Archer Canal that conveyed water in the area near the river.
Demolition work this spring will require occasional overnight and weekend bridge closures, CDOT officials said. South Lipan Steet has been closed. Otherwise, two lanes on the bridge will remain open during construction, officials said.
The project also includes
Modifying the intersection of West Alameda Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive,
Removing South Platte River Drive between Alameda and Cedar Street, with that traffic relocated to a widened South Lipan Street.
Reconstructing and widening the South Platte River Trail below the bridge, and
Installing a two-way protected bike lane on the north side of Alameda between South Lipan and South Kalamath streets with a connection to the trail.
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