Larimer Street Bridge Replacement to Create Better Connections
Published on January 03, 2023
Larimer Street Bridge Replacement and Streetscaping to Create Better, Safer Connection Between Auraria Campus and Downtown Denver
Improvements Increase Space for People to Pedal, Roll and Stroll
DENVER – The City and County of Denver is replacing the Larimer Street bridge over Cherry Creek between 14th Street and Speer Boulevard and making improvements that better support the many ways people travel along this stretch.
The project is replacing the 64-year-old bridge and increasing 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.
$7M 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.”
Denver contracted with Hamon Infrastructure to construct the new bridge and its amenities. The work is anticipated to be complete in fall 2023. Updates will be posted on the project website.