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February 2021

Progress on sewer replacement and utility improvements at the Airport Road bridge over Spring Creek

Project Update BRIDGE/CULVERT REPLACEMENT PROJECT: The City of Colorado Springs has initiated a project to rebuild the Airport Road over Spring Creek Bridge, increasing its width to accommodate sidewalks and deepen the channel to enable flood flows to pass below the roadway. The bridge reconstruction aspect of the project originally planned to start in spring 2021 will now start in fall 2021 with completion in spring 2022. Construction will take place after the summer months to avoid the risk of Spring Creek channel flooding and washout typically associated with summer monsoon rains. Temporary improvements at Airport Road and Marjorie Lee Drive will be installed to enable normal traffic operations throughout the summer months prior to the bridge work starting. Design: through fall 2020 Contractor selection: Early 2021 Construction: fall 2021 – spring 2022 UTILITIES WORK: 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, 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. Over the next few weeks, Springs Utilities will be working in the area to accommodate a planned power outage across the bridge during bridge construction. Utilities has permanently removed one power pole, is relocating one power pole and relocating streetlight switch feeds. 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. Waterlines will be relocated under the bridge during the bridge reconstruction.  Design: through late summer 2020 Construction: September 2020 – May 2021 Final Sewer Construction: April – May 2021, 4- to 6-week road closure. Pedestrian access will be maintained. Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the duration of construction. On-going Closures: Through approximately April 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.  Through approximately mid-March, one lane of westbound Airport Road will be closed between Academy Boulevard and Audubon Road to complete the Colorado Springs Utilities gas work and power pole relocation.

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: https://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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