Grand Avenue Bridge
About the Project
Expect periodic, daily lane closures on the GAB during off-peak hours.
The Grand Avenue Bridge (GAB) project is the largest infrastructure project on the Western Slope in 25 years. Now in the final phase of this five-phase project, crews are working toward completing this historic project.
Use this site to learn more about our work to improve one of two routes for motorists to cross the Colorado River and Interstate 70, and its construction of a new pedestrian bridge along the GAB.
Project Team & Partners
- CDOT
- Colorado Bridge Enterprise F
- Granite/Ralph L Wadsworth General Contractor
- City of Glenwood Springs
- Garfield County
Project Schedule
After identification of the preferred alignment in September 2012, the project team is adding details to the alignment, such as what type of bridge will be built, how it will be built to minimize impacts, and how it fits into the context of Glenwood Springs. If the project receives the federally required approvals, design could begin by mid-2014, with construction starting early-2015.
Project Activities
- Ongoing outreach to civic groups and organizations
- Evaluating bridge types
- Refining and evaluating bicycle/pedestrian options
- Refining intersection details
- Public Open House, January 2013
CO 82/Grand Avenue Bridge Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)
The Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the SH 82/Grand Avenue Bridge Environmental Assessment (EA) was finalized in May 2015. The FONSI is the decision document for the EA, and concludes the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. FHWA has determined that the Build Alternative will have no significant impact on the human environment and that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not required. The FONSI describes the urban design and aesthetic treatments that have been developed with stakeholders and included in the Build Alternative, and identifies the mitigation measures that will be included in the Build Alternative. It clarifies and updates the EA and the Section 106 consultation conducted for the project under the National Historic Preservation Act. The FONSI also provides responses to questions and comments submitted by agencies and the public during the 60-day public comment and review period for the EA. Submit a records request for access to the FONSI and appendices.
CO 82/Grand Avenue Bridge Environmental Assessment (EA)
The CO 82/Grand Avenue Bridge Environmental Assessment (EA) was finalized in October 2014, and was made available for a 60-day public review and comment period from October 31, 2014 to December 31, 2014. Thanks to everyone who reviewed the EA and provided comments. Although the formal review period for the EA has concluded, the EA and related technical documents will remain available for viewing on this website. Access the EA and related documents by submitting a records request.
Grand Avenue Bridge Environmental Assessment Overview
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) conducted an Environmental Assessment (EA) process to address functional, structural and safety deficiencies of the SH 82 Grand Avenue Bridge in Glenwood Springs and to bring it up to current standards for a four-lane bridge.
History - The Grand Avenue Bridge EA began in April 2011 when CDOT worked with community representatives to form a Project Leadership Team (PLT) to guide the EA process and ensure that the project followed the principals of context sensitive solutions (CSS) and federal EA requirements. A consulting team was hired in August 2011 to support CDOT in identifying the project purpose and need and goals, and in developing and evaluating alternative solutions through the EA process. A Project Working Group (PWG) was formed to review and approve key technical evaluations and decisions. In keeping with CDOT’s commitment to a context sensitive approach to projects statewide, community stakeholders were actively involved in defining the context statement and critical success factors for the project in a two-day visioning workshop. They continued to play an integral role as the Stakeholder Working Group (SWG).
Public Involvement - As part of the EA process, the project team evaluated the possibility of refurbishing the existing bridge, replacing the bridge in its current location, or replacing the bridge on different alignments. These options were considered in light of the criteria developed with the PLT, the PWG, the SWG and the public. Numerous public involvement and outreach activities generated ideas, alternatives, alignments and other design elements that might never have been considered. During the study, five public open houses and seven SWG meetings, including the initial visioning workshop, were held. Participants helped shape the alternatives and recommendations to align more closely with community values. The result is a project that reflects the unique character, history and setting of the Grand Avenue Bridge over the Colorado River and I-70 in Glenwood Springs.
Recommended Bridge Alignment - The recommended bridge alignment takes vehicles from I-70 Exit 116 directly across the river into downtown Glenwood Springs and to destinations south on SH 82. 6th Street no longer carries SH 82 traffic, and a reconfigured intersection at 6th and Laurel maintains connections to the hotel areas and neighborhoods on the north side of the river. Coordination with the City of Glenwood Springs and the Downtown Development Authority has focused on opportunities to redevelop 6th Street and the area under the Grand Avenue Bridge south of 7th Street to a more pedestrian scale. The recommended alignment and how to best build it led to discussions about replacing the pedestrian bridge. The project team, in collaboration with the PLT, PWG, SWG, and the public, determined that a new pedestrian bridge improves the pedestrian and bicyclist connection across the river and provides opportunities for aesthetic treatments that reflect the historic character of Glenwood Springs. It also reduces overall project costs and improves construction phasing to minimize the duration of a full closure of SH 82 while reconstructing the highway bridge.
Next Steps
CDOT will continue to coordinate with the public and agencies as the project moves into the final design and construction phases, including informing the public and agencies of project progress. We will be working with local and regional organizations and employers to promote a public information campaign prior to and during the construction phase to inform the public about construction detours, timing, etc.
Funding - The bridge is eligible for funding under the Colorado Bridge Enterprise (CBE) as a part Senate Bill 09-108, also known as FASTER (Funding Advancements for Surface Treatment and Economic Recovery). The purpose of the CBE is to complete designated bridge projects that involve the financing, repair, reconstruction and replacement of bridges designated as structurally deficient or functionally obsolete, and rated “poor” by CDOT. CBE will primarily fund improvements to or replacement of the Grand Avenue Bridge and elements needed for the optimal function of the bridge.
More information - Additional information can be found on this site. Answers to frequently asked questions are available in the project FAQs and in the news releases developed for the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
When possible, avoid peak times (6:30-9 a.m. and 3:30-6:30 p.m.), and take advantage of other travel options (see below). There is no silver bullet or secret route. If you are commuting through Glenwood, stick to the detour. Your commute time ultimately depends on how many people voluntarily change their habits.
Designated carpool and transit parking will be available along the Hogback route from Parachute to Glenwood Springs. Look for Grand Avenue bridge signage. City public lots will be open, and street parking will be available. Public carpool parking is also available in each zone.
When approaching Exit 114 from the west, eastbound I-70 will have a right "Exit Only" lane and a left "through lane." Vehicles trying to cut the exit-only line from the designated through Lane will be sent through to Exit 116 to turn around at the interchange.
Exit 116 will remain open with one lane in each direction, but will provide no access to CO 82. Midland Avenue will remain open from Eighth Street to 27th Street, but signal timing will favor the detour route, so please use Midland only if you are a resident. Pedestrians should cross only in designated crosswalks and must be alert in the downtown area.
Two priority areas will be open only to EMS, transit and permitted vanpools. General traffic on CO 82 from 27th Street to Eighth Street will be in a one-lane configuration for general traffic (left lane). The right lane is for EMS, transit and permitted vanpools only. Wulfsohn Road (behind Glenwood Meadows) is also for EMS, transit and permitted vanpools only.
Safety message: Be aware, don't block intersections and move over for EMS.
Bicycle routes and rules, free RFTA routes and carpool information are available on our website at grandavebridge.codot.gov.
The squareabout along the detour route in downtown was designed for semis to navigate the route. There will be no parking on Eighth Street, or on Colorado Avenue between Eighth and Ninth streets to make room for semis to turn.
The first Colorado River closures are scheduled for Aug. 14 for approximately five to 10 days. A daily conference call will be held at 3 p.m. to discuss the status of the river.
To provide relief to motorists and the community as soon as possible, the new traffic bridge will open with two lanes—one lane moving in either direction—after a projected 95 days. The new traffic bridge will remain in the two-lane configuration for 30-60 days while the contractor works toward building and opening the outer lanes.
With a project this size, it is easy for misinformation to spread. Please remember that accurate information is found on the Grand Avenue bridge official platforms:
- Grand Avenue Bridge website;
- Grand Avenue Bridge Facebook page; and
- Grand Avenue Bridge hotline: 970-618-9897.
If you have a question, be sure to reach out.
