The new year will usher in another large Glenwood Springs construction project, as work is set to begin on the new 27th Street Bridge, commonly referred to as the Sunlight Bridge.<\/p>\n
Beginning Jan. 2, motorists should anticipate traffic control with periodic lane closures for construction access and expect delays for mobilization, temporary shoring and erosion control on the east and west sides of the bridge, according to a press release from the city.<\/p>\n
“The current 27th Street Bridge is at the end of its useful life. This project will replace a critical connection in Glenwood Springs and elevate the recreational experience in this area,” Glenwood Springs Assistant City Engineer Jessica Bowser said in the release.<\/p>\n
“We would like to thank the public in advance for your patience during construction and encourage motorists to allow some extra time traveling through the area or use alternative modes of transportation,” she said.<\/p>\n
The traveling public also is encouraged to sign up for updates to get the latest information on traffic impacts and current construction activities.<\/p>\n
The nearly $10 million project, which is more than three-quarters funded through federal and state grants, will take place throughout 2019. It will include the traffic bridge, a new separated pedestrian bridge and a roundabout at the east end of the new bridge at South Grand Avenue.<\/p>\n
The current 27th Street Bridge and pedestrian bridge will remain open until the actual bridge replacement occurs in summer 2019.<\/p>\n
Additionally, pedestrian and river access will largely remain open. However, periodic holds and occasional full closures for critical overhead work will occur later in 2019.<\/p>\n
According to the city, business access will remain open and those utilizing the 27th Street Bridge must follow designated flagger instructions and construction signage as daily lane closures on both sides of the bridge will take place. Motorists also can expect delays for travel along South Grand Avenue between 23rd Street and 29th Street.<\/p>\n
Work hours will generally begin at 7 a.m. and last until 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, with some weekend and night work also throughout the duration of the project.<\/p>\n
In the summer of 2019, construction crews will build the new replacement bridge just south of the existing bridge. Crews will deconstruct the old bridge and the new bridge will be slid into place.<\/p>\n
According to the press release, this technique, called a bridge slide, will minimize impacts to traffic, pedestrians, utilities and river users while replacing the existing vehicle bridge. A new and separate pedestrian bridge will also be built to the north, and no bridge piers will be located in the Roaring Fork River.<\/p>\n
The city of Glenwood Springs will announce all traffic impacts, travel advisories and construction updates via city ConeZone email updates, the project webpage, and through the city’s social media channels with the hashtags #27thStreetBridge and #SunlightBridge.<\/p>\n
To receive the latest ConeZone email updates on construction and traffic impacts, contact the project team via email at 27thStreetBridge@gmail.com<\/a> or call\/text 970-618-5379. One may also subscribe to the “Glenwood Springs News” through the project’s webpage.<\/p>\n