Glenwood Springs, Colo. (February 4, 2016) – Glenwood Springs will have an impressive point of entry as it reconstructs the Grand Avenue vehicular and pedestrian bridges that cross over the Colorado River and I-70. This legacy project will greatly enhance the gateway to this hot springs town, creating a distinct sense of arrival.
Notably one of the largest infrastructure projects for Glenwood Springs, the new Grand Avenue bridge replaces the original structure built in 1953. This $125.6 million joint venture is funded through the Colorado Bridge Enterprise, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the City of Glenwood Springs, Garfield County, Eagle County, and area utility companies. The construction schedule is divided into five phases over 30-months with a projected completion date in May 2018.
After four years of planning, improvements to this primary transportation overpass include wider lanes, greater structural stability, more efficient traffic flow, curved alignment and an aesthetically pleasing design. To complement the town’s historic character, materials such as red sandstone, natural rock and brick will be incorporated.
Once completed in early 2017, the pedestrian bridge will be an attraction in itself. Architectural elements mimic the time-honored late-1800s look of the railroad depot, Glenwood Hot Springs, and Hotel Colorado. Not only will this elevated walkway connect the north and south sides of town, but it will also provide multiple viewing platforms to observe rafters on the Colorado River, the entrance to Glenwood Canyon, and the daily arrival of Amtrak’s famed California Zephyr.
Lisa Langer, vice president of tourism marketing for the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association said, “The new Grand Avenue Bridge opens up many opportunities to revitalize the entire Glenwood Springs community. The downtown and also the historic hot springs areas will be even more attractive and inviting with the addition of outdoor public gathering areas and enhancements.”
The current Grand Avenue bridge will remain open to vehicular traffic throughout 2016 and the first half of 2017. There will always be pedestrian bridge access over the Colorado River between downtown and the Hotel Colorado and Glenwood Hot Springs. Visitors are encouraged to walk and use mass transit as much as possible.
To watch the progress and get updates go to grandavebridge.codot.gov
About Glenwood Springs
For more information and to book reservations please visit visitglenwood.com. Glenwood Springs is located between Aspen and Vail, Colorado, 160 miles (257 kilometers) west of Denver or 90 miles (145 kilometers) east of Grand Junction on Interstate 70 off exit 116. An online Media Room is available at visitglenwood.com/media. B-roll video footage is available upon request.
Media Contacts:
Lisa Langer, Vice President of Tourism Marketing
Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association
970-230-9035
email
or
Vicky Nash
Resort Trends, Inc. – tourism communications
970-948-4923
email
