A proposed bicycle and pedestrian bridge over Santa Fe Drive/US 85 and the adjacent freight railroad and RTD light rail tracks near West Jewell Avenue has been more than a decade in the making. The need for a safe, grade separated crossing to provide east-to-west connectivity for pedestrians and bicyclists is identified in several City plans, and this high-priority project received funding through the City and County of Denver’s 2017 Elevate Denver Bond Program.
The primary scope of work includes building a 370-foot span, 30-foot-high and 12-foot-wide pedestrian bridge structure over Santa Fe Drive and the adjacent freight railroad and RTD light rail tracks.
Bridge landings will be added on both sides of the Santa Fe Drive corridor on West Jewell Avenue, along with new ADA ramps, lighting, landscaping and drainage improvements.
Background
The Jewell Avenue pedestrian bridge has been recommended in previous planning studies to improve multimodal connections within the greater Evans Station area. In 2019, DOTI staff conducted an analysis to understand existing conditions and neighborhood changes near the Jewell Avenue alignment to confirm project scope and develop concept designs to addresses area issues and constraints. This report summarizes existing conditions, issues, and constraints that will inform conceptual design alternatives and evaluation criteria.
Project Benefits
Connects neighborhoods on the east side of Santa Fe Drive (Overland, Platte Park, Rosedale, University and Washington Park) with the South Platte River Trail and neighborhoods on the west side (Overland, Ruby Hill, College View and southwest Denver)
Seamless connection to the upcoming multi-use path on Santa Fe Dr/US85 between Florida Ave. and Jewell Ave.
Better connectivity between transportation and recreational resources
Improves public safety and access
Associated landscaping improvements
Engineering design coordination with the Iowa Underpass Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements project
