From the oldest to the newest: CDOT celebrates completion of Alameda Avenue Bridge

News Release

June 24, 2025 - Central Colorado - A safer and wider structure will improve traffic flow and provide multi-modal options through a heavily traveled Denver area

Denver — Representatives from the Colorado Department of Transportation, City of Denver and Bicycle Colorado celebrated the completion of the new Alameda Avenue Bridge over the South Platte River today, a project that replaced a 114-year-old bridge, the oldest one on the state highway system.

“We didn’t just replace a functionally obsolete and structurally deficient bridge that handles an average of 47,000 vehicles a day, including a significant number of large trucks. We also made numerous other improvements that’ll enhance how people travel through this area,” said CDOT’s Region 1 Transportation Director Jessica Myklebust. “Other than regular maintenance and widening the bridge in 1966 following the devastating 1965 flood, this is a major improvement for the West Alameda Avenue corridor.”

The original bridge, located just west of Interstate 25, was constructed in 1911. It was replaced with a safer and wider structure that will improve traffic flow and provide multi-modal options through a heavily traveled area of Denver. Access photos of the Alameda Bridge Over Platte River Ribbon Cutting event on Flickr.

“Thank you to the Denver Regional Council of Governments and the City of Denver for their partnership to get this project completed. Since Alameda is one of Denver’s busiest roadways, it was critical for us to do all we can to improve our infrastructure through this area,” said CDOT’s Acting Executive Director Sally Chafee. "As the metro area continues to grow and the resultant traffic that goes along with it, it’s imperative we do all we can to serve the needs and improve safety for the various users who travel on the West Alameda Avenue corridor and the surrounding area.”

In addition to the new bridge, the project:

  • Modified the Alameda intersection at the South Santa Fe Drive intersection
  • Removed one block of South Platte River Drive between Alameda and Cedar avenues, improving traffic movements by diverting vehicles to a newly widened South Lipan Street, north of Alameda
  • Created a multi-modal corridor by:
    • Reconstructing a short segment of the South Platte River Trail into a 12-foot concrete path, adding an additional four-foot crushed stone trail, and three-foot vegetated shoulders for an overall trail width of 22 feet
    • Incorporating an on-street two-way bicycle track on the north side of Alameda between South Lipan and South Kalamath streets, including a connection to the South Platte River Trail
    • Adding wider, safer sidewalks on both sides of the bridge
  • Installing a water quality pond that captures and diverts excess water into the South Platte River
  • Removing and seeding a former construction storage yard for more natural landscaping along southbound I-25

"First, I want to thank CDOT and the entire construction team; the engineers, planners, and especially the workers on the ground, who made this bridge a reality. This project is a testament to what’s possible when we invest in infrastructure that centers people,” said Denver City Councilwoman Flor Alvidrez. “By prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists along a state highway and high-injury network, we’re not just improving mobility, we’re saving lives. And as we open this bridge, we also honor the South Platte River, whose presence has shaped this land for generations. This crossing reconnects neighborhoods long divided, and it does so with respect for the river and the communities who call its banks home."

Ames Construction was the prime contractor for the $22.3 million project, which broke ground in January 2023.

Representatives from CDOT, City of Denver and Bicycle Colorado cut the grand opening ribbon for the new Alameda Avenue Bridge Project on a new segment of the South Platte River Trail
Representatives from CDOT, City of Denver and Bicycle Colorado cut the grand opening ribbon for the new Alameda Avenue Bridge Project on a new segment of the South Platte River Trail

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