The City and County of Denver officially announced this week that it will replace the 64-year-old Larimer Street bridge over Cherry Creek between 14th Street and Speer Boulevard to create better, safer connection between Auraria Campus and downtown Denver. Construction began in late fall of 2022 and is anticipated to be completed in fall of 2023.
The project — contracted with Hamon Infrastructure — will increase the amount of space that is dedicated to people who pedal, roll and stroll between downtown Denver and the Auraria Campus, adding a two-way protected bikeway, 12-foot-wide sidewalks, pedestrian lighting, more seating options, public art and trees. A single travel lane for cars will also be maintained.
“An investment in our infrastructure is an investment in our community and our residents’ quality of life,” said Mayor Michael B. Hancock. “This new bridge furthers our commitment to provide the people in Denver with greater mobility options and better and safer connections as they go about their daily lives.”
“With this project, we have the opportunity to address an aging bridge in need of replacement and recreate the space in a way that makes it more accessible and enjoyable than before,” said Adam Phipps, executive director of Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure.
$7 million was allocated for the bridge replacement and streetscaping work in the Elevate Denver Bond approved by voters in November 2017. The improvements will deliver on the need for more space to walk and roll, accommodating students, faculty and others who regularly use Larimer Street to connect between downtown Denver and the Auraria Campus.
“The Auraria Campus has been a cornerstone of downtown Denver since we opened our doors in 1976,” said Colleen Walker, CEO of Auraria Higher Education Center (AHEC). “This project and enhancement to both the City of Denver and the Auraria Campus will cement the connection of the two spaces to make our beautiful, historic campus and commitment to public higher education an epicenter of our wonderful city.”
Project updates will be posted on the project website.
