Phase One bridge demolition to begin Dec. 14
on Platte Avenue over Sand Creek
Construction has begun to replace the eastbound and westbound bridges on Platte Avenue over Sand Creek between Wooten Road and the Powers Boulevard Interchange to improve safety.
Demolition
The phase one demolition on the Platte Avenue Bridge eastbound lanes over Sand Creek will begin Monday, Dec. 14. The demolition will occur only on the eastbound lanes and is expected to take approximately five (5) days barring any unforeseen circumstances.
The installation of temporary 15-foot pilings at the end of the bridge will be used in order to excavate the area below the bridge abutments (ends). Hydraulic excavators located next to the creek will use hammering and pulverizing actions to demo the bridge deck moving from the middle to the ends of the bridge. A temporary stream crossing has been built underneath the demolition area protecting the stream from debris.
Traffic Impacts
Beginning Monday, Dec 14:
- Demolition on eastbound Platte Avenue, south side of bridge for approximately five (5) days, Dec. 14 through Dec.18
- The inside-lane, eastbound to be used to accommodate traffic
- Traffic control measures will be in place. Please use extreme caution
- Construction activity behind barrier along south side of bridge, eastbound lanes
- Speeds reduced to 35 mph in the work zone
- Bicyclists are reminded to seek alternate routes during construction
Eastbound traffic will remain in a one-lane configuration for approximately six months, weather and resource dependent. This may cause traffic congestion and delays. Motorists (and bicyclists) are strongly advised to take alternate routes when possible.
All business accesses will remain open throughout construction.
Background
The bridges are approaching the end of their service life (built in 1956) suffering from prior flood damage (2008) and overall degradation of the structures. The project will replace the two separate bridges with one bridge structure. The project will also add sidewalks along the north and south sides of Platte Avenue over the creek to accommodate the future Sand Creek Regional Trail under the Platte Avenue bridge.
Platte Avenue is one of the city’s main east/west mobility corridors and the new bridge will accommodate future growth along the corridor by providing additional lanes on Platte Avenue, along with signalizing the intersection at Space Center Drive. Funding for the project totals approximately $14 million, funded in part by the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority and a federal grant.
