Springs Times

Colorado Springs issued the following announcement on Dec. 11.

Phased demolition of the Platte Avenue Bridges over Sand Creek will begin on Monday, Dec.  14. The first phase of the demolition will occur only on the eastbound lanes and is expected to take approximately five (5) days, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

There will be lots of activity in the area, but much of the work will take place below the bridge. Because the eastbound bridge is already reduced to one travel lane, no further traffic restrictions will be put in place, but travelers are advised to take alternate routes and use extreme caution in the construction area.

The installation of temporary 15-foot pilings at the end of the bridge will be used to excavate the area below the bridge abutments (ends). Hydraulic excavators located next to the creek will use hammering and pulverizing actions to demo the bridge deck moving from the middle to the ends of the bridge. A temporary stream crossing has been built underneath the demolition area protecting the stream from debris.

Traffic Impacts: Monday, Dec 14 – Friday, Dec. 18

Demolition on eastbound Platte Avenue, south side of bridge.

• Traffic will be routed to the inside eastbound travel lane
• Traffic control measures will be in place. Please use extreme caution
• Construction activity behind barrier along south side of bridge, eastbound lanes
• Speeds reduced to 35 mph in the work zone
• Bicyclists are reminded to seek alternate routes during construction

Eastbound traffic will remain in a one-lane configuration for approximately six months, weather and resource dependent. All business accesses will remain open throughout construction.

Background

The bridges are approaching the end of their service life (built in 1956) suffering from prior flood damage (2008) and overall degradation of the structures. The project will replace the two separate bridges with one bridge structure. The project will also add sidewalks along the north and south sides of Platte Avenue over the creek to accommodate the future Sand Creek Regional Trail under the Platte Avenue Bridge.

Platte Avenue is one of the city’s main east/west mobility corridors and the new bridge will accommodate future growth along the corridor by providing additional lanes on Platte Avenue, along with signalizing the intersection at Space Center Drive. Funding for the project totals approximately $14 million, funded in part by the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority and a federal grant.

Original source can be found here.