Project Description
The focus of the Platte Avenue over Sand Creek Bridge project was on bridge replacement, accommodating the Sand Creek Trail along the east side of the creek under the bridge and signalizing the intersection at Space Center Drive.
Safety improvements were the main priority of the project. Additional priorities included lessening the environmental impact and designing for additional lanes on the bridge to accommodate future growth. The project also accommodates the future Sand Creek Regional Trail under the Platte Avenue bridge and the addition of sidewalks along the north and south sides of Platte Avenue over the creek.
The approximate construction limits for the replacement of the eastbound and westbound Platte Avenue Bridges over Sand Creek runs from Troy Hill Road to Babcock Road.
Photos of current bridge conditions:
Background
The parallel bridges on Platte Avenue (between Wooten Road and Powers Boulevard) were built in 1956 and had reached the end of their service life. The City of Colorado Springs developed the Platte Avenue Over Sand Creek Conceptual Design Report in 2003 to address not only the aging structures but to define the project area, project goals, alternative and challenges. The 2003 report provided the head start for this bridge project.
A 2008 flood event of Sand Creek caused the piers to be undermined and crystalline deposits of salt and rust staining were detected on the concrete surfaces. De-icing chemicals also contributed to the degradation of the structures to the point that it was necessary for the City to move forward earlier than anticipated with the bridge replacement project and safety improvements.
Project Challenges
There are several significant project challenges to replacing the bridge structures: (a) Sand Creek issues, (b) accommodating the future Sand Creek Regional Trail, and (c) construction phasing.
The project faced several significant project challenges to replace the bridge structures: (a) Sand Creek issues, (b) accommodating the future Sand Creek Regional Trail, and (c) construction phasing.
The concept report indicated significant approach work due to the high potential for raising the bridges when they are replaced which required reconstruction of the Space Center Drive intersection.
Challenges of Sand Creek and the trail were how to best manage the bridge configuration for a waterway with volatile erosion characteristics while providing for the future trail. The City invested in stabilizing this portion of Sand Creek in 2018 using FEMA funding.
As a major east/west corridor, construction of the new Platte Avenue bridges was staggered with other improvement projects in the area. Some improvements were already under construction, while other projects were in the works, and funding for others were still being pursued.
Work Near Sand Creek
Ongoing Projects
Platte Avenue over Sand Creek Bridge Project
Driven by the condition of the existing Platte Avenue eastbound and west bound bridges over Sand Creek, both bridges will be replaced at one time for a cost-effective investment. The project has considered and planned for the future capacity improvements along the Platte Avenue Corridor. Funding for this project totals approximately $14 million, partially through Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority and a Federal grant.
Future Projects
Platte Avenue Corridor
This planning study focuses on the challenges of connecting Platte Avenue to Powers Boulevard west to Cascade Avenue connecting at Bijou Street to I-25 as detailed in the City of Colorado Springs East/West Mobility Study completed in 2000.
Stay Informed
September 14, 2022 - A ribbon cutting was held commemorating the completion of the Platte over Sand Creek bridge project.
April 10, 2018 - A Public Open House for the Platte over Sand Creek bridge project was held at the Calvary Chapel, 5070 Edison Avenue, Colorado Springs. Documents from the meeting are posted below.
Newsletters:
Past Newsletters
Estimated Project Timeline
The environmental and preliminary Design phase was completed in Fall 2018. Construction for the project began November 2020 continuing through October 2022.
- 2017 – 2020 Environmental and Design
- Nov 2020 – Construction begins
- March 2021 – Phase 1 initial bridge removal
- July 2021 – Phase 2 ongoing bridge work
- Dec 2021 – Phase 3 final bridge removal
- Feb 2022 – Space Center Dr. median work
- Apr 2022 – Final phase bridge deck
- Aug 2022 – signalization of Space Center Dr. intersection
- Oct 2022 – Project complete
Project Maps
Conceptual Design
Project Area Map
