Airport Road over SPRING CREEK

March 2021

Colorado Springs Utilities completes gas work - Progress on sewer replacement and utility improvements at the Airport Road bridge over Spring Creek

Project Update

UTILITIES WORK UPDATE: The gas work for this project is now complete. The westbound lane at Airport Road is no longer closed.

Construction of the remaining sanitary sewer progressing east within Airport Road to about Lakewood Circle is expected to be completed this spring. Springs Utilities will also relocate 20” and 4” gas lines to just north of the bridge prior to the bridge replacement project taking place this fall. Waterlines will be relocated under the bridge during the bridge reconstruction.

Sanitary Sewer Work Schedule:

Final Sewer Construction: April – May 2021, 4- to 6-week road closure.

Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the duration of construction.

Replacement of the bridge over Spring Creek requires relocation of water, sewer and gas lines that cross under it. About 2,500 feet of the existing sanitary sewer line is being replaced with a larger pipe to accommodate current needs and future growth in the city. Prior to the start of the bridge replacement work this fall, Colorado Springs Utilities has been installing this 42” sanitary sewer line starting within Valley Hi Golf Course, progressing northeast along the western edge of the course up to the Spring Creek Bridge area.

On-going lane closure: Through approximately May 2021, one lane of eastbound Airport Road will be closed between just east of Chelton and Audubon roads to accommodate construction access to the work area for the new sanitary sewer work on Valley Hi Golf Course. Speed limits reduced to 25 mph through this construction area.

BRIDGE/CULVERT REPLACEMENT PROJECT: The City of Colorado Springs project to rebuild the Airport Road over Spring Creek Bridge this fall will increase its width to accommodate sidewalks and deepen the channel to enable flood flows to pass below the roadway.

Construction will take place during the fall to avoid the risk of Spring Creek channel flooding and washout typically associated with summer monsoon rains.

Temporary improvements made at Airport Road and Marjorie Lee Drive will enable normal traffic operations throughout the summer months prior to the bridge work starting.

Bridge Project Work Schedule:

Contractor selection: Early 2021
Bridge Construction project: fall 2021 – spring 2022

Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the duration of construction.

Project Benefits and Funding

CLICK HERE to access the project website to access the map.

Benefits

Increases Spring Creek flood flow capacity below Airport Road and improved public safety related to reduced flood risk
Significantly improves pedestrian access and safety with sidewalks on both sides of the bridge
Greater sanitary sewer capacity improving the existing system and accommodating future growth
Maintains existing vehicle operation over the Airport Road Bridge
Reduces maintenance costs
Contributes to creating a more economically vibrant and walkable community
Improves neighborhood appearance

Funding

The Airport Road over Spring Creek Bridge replacement is a voter-approved, Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA) II, A-listed project. The required major utility relocations work is jointly funded by PPRTA II and Colorado Springs Utilities. The upsized sanitary sewer is funded by Springs Utilities.

Project Background

Airport Road is an east-west, principal arterial, carrying traffic over Spring Creek on a 47-year-old bridge that is deteriorating, is too narrow to accommodate sidewalks, and has less than half the capacity needed to pass a 100-year flood condition under the roadway. The Spring Creek Bridge is located approximately 730 feet west of Academy Boulevard adjacent to Fire Station 8 and just north of the Valley Hi Golf Course. The creek drains a densely developed watershed that produces high flow rates from summer storms on a relatively frequent basis. The creek flow has overtopped the roadway on several occasions and as recently as last summer. Flood flow crossing the roadway is a hazard to motorists and pedestrians and could affect response times of the fire department during times when they are most needed.

The existing bridge, constructed in 1973, does not accommodate pedestrian traffic and is located in a community that is dependent on pedestrian accessibility. This situation results in pedestrians sometimes walking in the traffic lanes of this busy roadway to cross the bridge. Several large underground utility lines run under the bridge at shallow depths below it and will require relocation with its replacement.

To receive project updates and meeting notices, please send an email to: monica@bachmanpr.com

Visit the Project Website: ColoradoSprings.gov/AirportRd

Project Team

City of Colorado Springs Senior Project Manager - Clyde Pikkaraine
Engineering Consultant - Vance Fossinger, Wilson & Co.
Public Engagement - Lisa Bachman - Bachman pr

Visit the Project Website

To receive project updates and meeting notices, please send an email to:

Monica@bachmanpr.com

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