The original item was published from March 22, 2022 11:08 AM to March 23, 2022 3:41 PM
On March 21, Commissioner Dahlkemper, along with key leaders in Jefferson County, joined Congressman Perlmutter for the I-70 over 32nd Avenue bridge construction kick-off.
The project is part of the state-funded project through the Statewide Bridge Enterprise. As a Gateway to the Rockies, I-70 in Jefferson County is highly traveled and an important stretch of interstate connecting Denver Metro area to the I-70 mountain corridor. The replacement is one of many examples of taxpayer dollars put to good use to upgrade our infrastructure and transportation systems and re-invest in our communities.
Built in 1968 when this portion of Interstate 70 was being constructed, the I-70 bridges over 32nd Avenue have undergone frequent maintenance and repair work and have exceeded their 50-year lifespan, resulting in this replacement project. The new bridges will have a 75-year lifespan which will lead to fewer maintenance visits and associated lane closures to conduct repairs.
The project includes removal and replacement of both the eastbound and westbound I-70 bridges over 32nd Avenue. The new structures will also have wider shoulders for increased safety. Construction of the new shoulders will be accomplished by filling in the open space between the westbound and eastbound bridges, as seen in the aerial photo below. Finally, the bridge guardrail will be upgraded to meet current safety standards.
Learn more about the project at Colorado Department of Transportation project page.