Union Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation

Purpose

The purpose of the Union Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation is to repair the deteriorating bridge deck, which will create a smoother riding surface across the bridge. The most recent bridge inspection report noted a deteriorating bridge deck that needs replacement. A new bridge deck will create a smoother riding surface for trucks and commuter vehicles to traverse the South Platte River along Union Avenue. A new sidewalk and Greenway Trail connections will be installed to improve connectivity to Centennial Park.

Project Description

This project will be completed in two phases. The first phase will be a life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) to determine the best course of action for design and construction. The LCCA is a critical part of this project which will determine the actual cost of a design option over its entire lifespan including construction costs, maintenance and operational costs, and overall operational lifespan. The LCCA will ensure we are designing and building the best option for this location and that the money we spend on this project will go the furthest. LCCA is also an essential tool to apply for and receive federal funding. After the LCCA is completed and federal funding is explored, the most economical design will then be completed, and construction will begin shortly after.

Schedule

The LCCA and project design will be complete by fall of 2024 and construction will begin after funding sources have been determined.

Construction Impacts

Traffic control options will be explored during the design phase of this project, but it is very likely the bridge will need to closed to traffic for the duration of construction. The bridge is narrow and leaving one lane open during construction will increase the time needed to complete construction and be dangerous for the construction workers given the constraints of the working space.

A detour down to Belleview or up to Oxford will likely be explored and only add minutes to a commute typically using Union.