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Lots of work to do before bridge detour

Tom Newland

You may have read or heard recent media coverage about the upcoming traffic bridge detour in August, but we are still in the third of five phases in the overall construction schedule, and there is a lot of work to do before the existing Grand Avenue bridge is closed.

Phase three includes all work prior to the traffic bridge detour and all aspects of mobilization prior to demolition of the old bridge. In phase three, we will be preparing the detour route with a new asphalt overlay and striping.

Portions of the new five-leg roundabout at Sixth and Laurel are being constructed now. Once built, the roundabout will serve as the new local connection between U.S. 6 and Sixth Street and create new access to north Glenwood Springs attractions. The north traffic bridge abutment, traffic bridge approach and surrounding structural walls continue to progress, as well as the new River Road alignment.



We are targeting mid-June to complete the final improvements at the Exit 114 interchange, which will allow for increased capacity. Exit 116 will also get widened and improved.

Phase three will also include construction of a causeway on the north bank of the Colorado River. The north causeway or roadway will allow access for construction equipment to set the new traffic bridge over the Colorado River. The construction start date on the north causeway is contingent on Colorado River levels receding after spring runoff.



The work in the downtown area between Seventh and Eighth streets includes masonry on the finished sections of the structural walls. The south traffic bridge abutment will be built during the detour phase. The south abutment design is set farther to the south from the current abutment, but the structural footings and excavation of this will take place in phase three.

The Seventh Street Station including the elevator tower is on track to open prior to the Aug. 14 traffic bridge detour. The dual elevator building will be operational in the next few months.

Pedestrians will be able to travel under the new traffic bridge soon, as the new pedestrian bridge underpass on the north side will be completed and make the critical connection from Sixth Street to Two Rivers Park.

Traffic This Week

• Asphalt overlay continues on U.S. 6.

• Night work and intersection closures are in place for the next two weeks.


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