CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
January 29, 2021
Eastbound Platte Avenue
bridge demolition gets underway

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
Beginning at the end of December and through January, work on Phase One focused on demolishing the south lane of the bridge, eastbound on Platte Avenue over Sand Creek. Seasonal winter weather allowed for the bridge/lane to be removed quickly and the crew began installing new piers and abutments for the bridge.

This work involved adding 9 new H piles, approximately 120 cubic yards of concrete for caissons and over 2 miles of drain installation. Coordination of logistics with Colorado Springs Utilities was critical due to the extensive amount of gas, electric and other utility equipment located in the area.

One new safety feature has been implemented in the work zone. Motorists should observe safety barrels preventing left turns onto Troy Hill Road from Platte Avenue. This temporary condition provides for safer access to Platte Avenue during construction. 
Ongoing Traffic Impacts
  • One inside-lane, eastbound used to accommodate traffic
  • Traffic control measures are in place. Please use 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.
Winter Driving Tips
It doesn’t take long for conditions to become treacherous in Colorado. Snow and ice can happen at any time and roads can get slick and icy fast, making driving a challenge for even the most seasoned driver. 

Here are a few winter driving tips from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT):
  • Check your Tires. Worn or improperly inflated tires can't grip the road well and can be extremely hazardous.
  • Turn on your headlights. Confirm all lights are working and that headlights are clear.
  • Working wiper blades. Have wiper blades cleaned or replaced as needed.
  • Leave extra room between your vehicle and others on the road at all times. Even vehicles with four-wheel/all-wheel drive will not stop any quicker on icy roads, especially if you have inadequate tires.
  • Bow to the plow. Snowplows need space to work, so unless you want to cause a crash, delays or be stuck on a snow-covered road, don't crowd the plow! If you must pass a snowplow, do so on the left and with extreme caution.
Plus, it's good to have a winter-driving kit in your car. Carry blankets, water, a flashlight, a shovel, some nutrition bars or other food for sustenance. Winterize your vehicle's safety kit by including extra blankets, sand to help gain traction in the event you become stuck on ice or snow, jumper cables and an ice scraper.

To find roadway conditions and closures, view CDOT's traveler information site at cotrip.org, or call 511 from anywhere in the state.
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.
Stay in touch
Find more information about this project: ColoradoSprings.gov/PSCBridge
Project Hotline: 719-634-5056

To receive project progress enewsletters, send an email to: PlatteSandCreekBridges@gmail.com requesting to be added to notification list.

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Project Team
  • City of Colorado Springs Project Manager - Kevin Diekelman and Senior Engineer - Aaron Egbert
  • Engineering Consultant - Wilson & Co. Engineering
  • Construction - Lawrence Construction
  • Public Information - Bachman pr
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