Castlewood Canyon Bridge to Be Reconstructed

On July 7, the Colorado Department of Transportation closed SH 83 to through traffic between Franktown and Colorado Springs for the reconstruction of the Castlewood Canyon Bridge.

The 55-year-old structure is about four miles south of Franktown. The majority of the work involves replacing the concrete beams and columns and refurbishing the arches that cross the canyon.

The Castlewood Canyon Bridge was built in 1948 for $148,000. It crosses Cherry Creek and was once called the "bridge to nowhere" because for nearly 20 years after it was built, the south end of the bridge was also the end of SH 83. Today, the structure is considered historic, and because of its unique arch design, it's a popular sightseeing location for Castlewood Canyon State Park visitors.

Kiewit Western Co. of Littleton is the contractor for the $3.2 million project. The bridge is scheduled to reopen to traffic on Oct. 4.

CDOT to Study Possible Rail Line Relocation

The Colorado Department of Transportation has issued a request for qualifications for consultant services to conduct a public benefits and costs study of certain Front Range railroad infrastructure improvements and possible rail route relocation. The study will look specifically at the routes of the two Class One railroads operating in Colorado - the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Co. and the Union Pacific Railroad.

CDOT, the railroads and the Regional Transportation District have been discussing possible rail infrastructure relocation and freight line consolidation for several years.
The exchanges have focused on the development of a long-term plan to ease traffic congestion and improve passenger and freight mobility along the Front Range without impacting the competitive balance between railroads or the economic health of corporations within the state.

CDOT is funding the study, estimated to cost up to $500,000. The study is expected to begin in October 2003, following consultant selection. It will take approximately six months to complete.

Commission Announces Bond-Funded Projects

The Colorado Transportation Commission has approved plans to issue nearly $225 million in TRANs bonds over the next two years, accelerating a number of high-priority projects within the 28 Strategic Transportation Corridors.

The Colorado Department of Transportation will issue approximately $100 million in bonds to fund the following projects:

• The second to the last phase of work to untangle and improve the I-25/US 36/I-270/I-76 junction in the north Denver metro area. This project will build a new flyover ramp from southbound I-25 to eastbound I-270. Cost: $26.4 million. Start date: late 2003.
  
• The final phase of widening US 50 between Grand Junction and Delta. This project will widen US 50 to four lanes from Escalante Road to G-50 Road in north Delta. Cost: $12.3 million. Start date: early 2004.
  
• The continued reconstruction and concrete white topping of US 287 from Wiley Junction north 9.2 miles. Cost: $12.7 million. Start date: October 2003.
  
• The next phase of work on US 160 between Wolf Creek and South Fork. This safety project includes a 1.5-mile stretch of US 160 from west of Lonesome Dove east. It will include the construction of climbing lanes, acceleration/deceleration lanes, shoulders and other improvements to bring the highway up to current design standards. Cost: $26 million. Start date: late 2003.
  
• The last phase of improvements to Berthoud Pass. This project will reconstruct and widen the final two miles of US 40 over Berthoud Pass from Berthoud Falls west. Cost: $24 million. Start date: spring 2004.
  
• Continued work on Powers Boulevard in Colorado Springs. This project will complete the Powers Boulevard extension to connect north to State Highway 83. Cost: $15 million. Start date: early 2004.
  
• I-70 west upgrades. This project will complete lighting improvements through the Eisenhower Tunnel and install additional variable message boards for improved traffic management. Cost: $14.5 million Start date: early 2004.
  
• Continued work on I-25 south. Work will reconstruct the Castle Pines interchange, build a Park-n-Ride lot and replace the railroad bridge on I-25 in Castle Rock. Cost: $22.4 million. Start date: early 2004.
  
• Preconstruction requirements for I-25 north. This funding will allow for right-of-way acquisition, continued design and utility work in anticipation of future improvements to the north I-25 corridor between Denver and Fort Collins. Cost: $10.5 million.
  

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