Public Involvement

Upcoming Opportunities

With your input and feedback, we’ve made progress evaluating and screening the alternative designs. CDOT is ready to reconvene with the community to circle back as part of the feedback loop process to advance the project forward.

The project team combined technical evaluation and community input to screen out draft alternatives that do not sufficiently meet the Purpose & Need and refined the remaining alternatives for more detailed evaluation.
There are a couple of upcoming opportunities for you to get involved:

Early 2025

  • Community Feedback Survey (Round 2)
  • Community Meeting (Round 2)

Study Schedule

  • 2023: Data collection and preliminary alternatives development
  • Early 2024: Purpose and need and initial screening
  • Mid-2024: Alternative refinement and secondary screening
  • Late 2024 to 2025: NEPA analysis and documentation, start of preliminary design
  • 2026 and Beyond: Identify construction delivery method, identify construction funds, and finish preliminary design

About the Process

The Speer Boulevard and 23rd Avenue bridges and associated transportation system (interchanges, street network, etc.) exists to serve travelers, residents, businesses, organizations, schools, places of worship and more. Therefore, it’s important that the Speer and 23rd bridges project engage these community stakeholders.  

This page will be updated as the Project conducts meetings with the variety of stakeholders, posting links to meeting announcements, materials and documents.

Engagement Milestones

CDOT is committed to fostering open communication and collaboration with stakeholders and community members throughout the project. Engaging the public ensures that diverse perspectives are considered in decision-making, helping to shape the project in a way that reflects community needs and values.

Stakeholder and Community

Engagement Activities
To ensure a collaborative and inclusive approach, CDOT has organized a series of workshops, focus groups, and community outreach initiatives to gather valuable input and feedback on project options and impacts.

Alternatives Design and Evaluation Workshops

  • Winter 2022: Ultimate Vision Workshop
  • Spring 2022: Alternatives Workshop
  • Summer 2022: Bike-Pedestrian Charrette

Stakeholder Focus Group (SFG)
The SFG gathers input from local entities (businesses, nonprofits, schools, etc.) and neighborhood groups (RNOs) regarding project options and impacts.

  • Winter 2021: Project Introduction
  • Summer 2024: Overview of Public Input & Next Steps

Denver City Council Briefings
CDOT has engaged with Denver City Council members through a series of meetings to provide updates and gather feedback on the PEL and the I-25: Speer & 23rd Bridge & Interchange Projects.

  • Fall/Winter 2021
  • Spring 2022

Community Survey 2022
The I-25: Speer & 23rd Bridge and Interchange Project Community Survey was conducted to understand community interests and concerns. Respondents shared their experiences using the corridor and suggested improvements.

29th Street Slower & Safer Street Meeting

  • Summer 2024

Bike-to-Work Events

  • Winter 2022
  • Summer 2024

23rd Avenue Stakeholders Meetings and Workshops
In response to interest in the alternatives evaluation process, CDOT conducted a series of meetings with a self-formed Stakeholder Coalition representing various local entities.

Public Meetings

 April 2024

A public open house was held on April 8, 2024 at the Colorado Department of Transportation Headquarters located at 2829 West Howard Place in Denver, CO 80204. Access meeting boards by clicking the button below.

  • In-Person Public Meeting: Held on April 8 at CDOT Headquarters to discuss the project and gather feedback on design alternatives
  • Online Public Meeting: Available for one month following the in-person meeting, allowing community members to access information and provide feedback

Access the open house information and resources.

 Early 2025

Next Public Meeting

The next public meeting is planned for early 2025. The public meeting will cover the following items:

  • Recap Initial Alternatives and Public Involvement
  • Share results of Alternatives Evaluation and Refinements
  • Show alternative(s) that are recommended to advance into NEPA, based on technical and public input
  • Show bike and pedestrian facilities for recommended alternative(s)

Keep an eye on your email for updates or check back here for more information later this fall.

Meeting Resources

April 2024 Public Open House

The collapsible panels below contain the same information shared during the Public Open House on April 8, 2024. Select any of the panel titles below to access the meeting boards.
 Project Overview

CDOT launched the I-25: Speer Boulevard and 23rd Avenue Bridge and Interchange project during the Summer of 2021 to study and evaluate replacing the bridges that cross over I-25 in Central Denver. These bridges are near the end of their useful life and are often struck by trucks due to deficient vertical clearance. They are in need of replacement for the safety of all travelers.

This project seeks to:

  • Improve operations and safety for vehicles
  • Improve facilities for bikes and pedestrians

Study Area Map

The study area map shows the bridges over I-25 at 23rd Ave. and at Speer Boulevard and the interchange ramps at both locations are the roadway elements being studied for improvements.
This study area map shows the bridges over I-25 at 23rd Ave. and at Speer Boulevard and the interchange ramps at both locations are the roadway elements being studied for improvements. 
The zoomed out map shows the entire Denver Metro Area and calls out the project area on I-25 near central Denver.
The zoomed out map shows the entire Denver Metro Area and calls out the project area on I-25 near central Denver.

I-25 Central PEL

The I-25: Speer Boulevard and 23rd Avenue Bridge and Interchange Project was identified in the I-25 Central Planning and Environmental Linkages Study (PEL) as a first step for CDOT to improve the transportation infrastructure. Click the link below to learn more about the I-25 Central PEL.

I-25 Central PEL Findings

Other Related Projects & Studies

Several projects and studies have been conducted in the area by the City and County of Denver, CDOT, and other organizations. The project team has reviewed these projects and studies and is developing alternatives that are consistent with them. Review the list of those projects and studies below.

Related Projects & Studies

Ongoing Public Involvement

Throughout the study process, public feedback will be gathered on the alternatives under consideration. The project team has already engaged with several community stakeholder groups, conducted a community survey and distributed informational fliers at a Bike to Work Day event in June of 2023. If there is a stakeholder group we should reach out to, please let us know.

 Existing Conditions

The project team gathered existing-conditions data on transportation infrastructure, vehicle crashes, bike and pedestrian fatalities, and on the height or vertical clearance of the Speer Boulevard and 23rd Avenue bridges over I-25. This information helps to create solutions that improve transportation in this area.

Vehicular Crashes

This section of I-25 (from Colfax Avenue to 20th Street) experiences about 38 percent more crashes and 54 percent more fatal and injury crashes than what would be expected on similar facilities.

Map of total crashes in the project area from April 2015 to March 2020
Map of the existing interchange identifying total crashes from April 2015 to March 2020. Call-outs highlight 217 crashes on southbound I-25 near the Speer Boulevard interchange; 207 crashes on northbound I-25 near the Speer Boulevard interchange; and 216 crashes on northbound I-25 near the 23rd Avenue interchange.

Bike & Pedestrian Facilities

In the existing condition there are no bike or pedestrian facilities on the north side of Speer Boulevard and on the south side of 23rd Avenue. The lack of these facilities leaves connectivity gaps in the bike and pedestrian infrastructure.

Map of existing Bike and Pedestrian Fatalities on Speer Boulevard
Map of the interchange, identifying the existing locations of sidewalks, on-street bike lanes, and multi-use paths in relation to the existing bridge at Speer Boulevard and 23rd Avenue. No sidewalks connect Water Street to the 23rd Avenue bridge and no sidewalks exist on the south side of the 23rd Avenue bridge or the north side of the Speer Boulevard bridge. Legend indicates sidewalks existing along Zuni Street, 15th Street, Platte Street, Water Street, and 23rd Avenue; on-street bike lanes along 23rd Avenue extending to Water Street – terminating at Speer Boulevard; and multi-use paths along both sides of the South Platte River south of Speer Boulevard, along the south side of Speer Boulevard between Platte and Zuni, and south along the adjacent ramps from Zuni to 23rd Avenue.

Minimum Vertical Clearance (Bridge Height over I-25)

CDOT’s standard for bridge height is 16-foot six inches. The clearance for the 23rd Avenue bridge over I-25 ranges from 12 feet, 11 inches at the lowest points to 16 feet, one inch at the highest point.

The clearance for the Speer Boulevard bridge ranges from 12 feet, five inches at the lowest points to 16 feet, nine inches at the highest point.

This photo below shows the Speer Boulevard bridge. The missing concrete and exposed rebar is the result of a truck traveling on I-25 and striking the bridge.

23rd Avenue Bridge with 13 foot 0 inch sign and crew members standing underneath
Speer Boulevard bridge over I-25: The close perspective emphasizes a sign on a bridge pillar displaying a vertical clearance of 13 feet, zero inches which is three and a half feet less than CDOT’s standard vertical clearance.
Speer Boulevard Bridge Cross Section north and southbound I-25 graphic
The graphic depicts the I-25 travel lanes, running northbound and southbound under the Speer Boulevard bridge and depicts warning indicators in the area where the bridge lacks sufficient vertical clearance.
23rd Avenue Bridge Cross Section graphic on north and southbound I-25
The graphic depicts the I-25 travel lanes, running northbound and southbound under the 23rd Avenue bridge and depicts warning indicators in the area where the bridge lacks sufficient vertical clearance.
 Environmental

The project team has begun to collect environmental existing conditions data including residential demographics to identify minority and low income populations, recreational resources, historic properties, and community resources. Navigate the graphics below to access these resources. The project team is also aware that the project is within a City and County of Denver protected view plane.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis

During future National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis, other existing conditions and potential project impacts will be evaluated for:

  • Air quality and greenhouse gas emissions
  • Water quality
  • Floodplains
  • Waters of the U.S., including wetlands
  • Environmental justice
  • Land use
  • Biological resources (wildlife, fisheries)
  • Threatened, endangered, and state special status species
  • Noxious weeds
  • Hazardous materials
  • Cultural resources (historic and archeological)
  • Paleontological resources
  • Noise
  • Visual resources
  • Recreational resources
  • Secondary and cumulative impacts

Minority and Low Income Populations

Minority and Low Income Populations Map
Map of existing I-25 interchange with West 23rd Avenue and Speer Boulevard intersection depicting census block groups, minority population over 46.10%, and low-income population over 11.02% for the City and County of Denver. Map illustrates areas approximately south of Speer Boulevard overlap with low-income populations, with a minority population identified in the southernmost part of the study area.

Recreational Resources

Recreation Resources Map
Map of the existing I-25 interchange with West 23rd Avenue and Speer Boulevard intersection depicting recreational resources within and surrounding the preliminary study area, including Diamond Hill Path, South Platte River Trail and Cherry Creek Trail that overlap with preliminary study area. Map call outs include (listed starting from northwest of study area to northwest, then west, southwest, south, and east) Highland Park, Viking Park, Ashland Recreation Center, Hirshorn Park, Highland Gateway Park, St. Patrick’s Neighborhood Park, Community Plaza Park, City of Cuernavaca Park, Railyard Dog Park, Denver Skate Park, Commons Park, Confluence Park, Fishback Park, Centennial Park, Speer Boulevard Park, Creekfront Park, Sculpture Park, Downtown Playground, Platte Rover Trail Park, Gates Crescent Park, and Jefferson Park. Highland Gateway Park, Fishback Park, Centennial Park, Confluence Park, Commons Park, Denver Skate Park, Platte River Trail Park, and Gates Crescent Park are located within the preliminary study area

Community Resources and Land Use

Community Resources and Land Use Map
Map of existing I-25 interchange with West 23rd Avenue and Speer Boulevard intersection depicting community resources and land use points of interest; Diamond Hall Promenade west of West 23rd Ave and Speer Boulevard Intersection, Aquarium southwest, Ball Arena South, Empower Field at Mile High southwest. Map calls out preliminary study area of the Project, land use by the City of Denver, recreation/public use of land, agriculture, commercial, industrial, and residential land use and vacant lots and right-of-way.

Historic Resources

Historic Resources Map
Map of existing I-25 interchange with West 23rd Avenue and Speer Boulevard intersection depicting 29 historic resources within the preliminary study area and southeast of the study area along Speer Boulevard.
Project Development Process

Alternative Development and Screening

In this current phase, we create design options to address the Purpose and Need. The project will evaluate these alternatives against screening criteria.

NEPA Analysis

NEPA requires that projects using federal funds, requiring a federal permit or linked to a federal action analyze effects on the natural and social environment. Since CDOT is using federal funding for this project, once a recommended alternative(s), including the No Action, are selected, the project will go through NEPA review and documentation.

The public involvement process shall continue during NEPA. CDOT and FHWA will select an alternative at the conclusion of the NEPA process. The document will also disclose impacts, necessary permits, and mitigation of those impacts for the selected alternative.

The project will undergo CDOT's Procedural Directive 1601 Process for Interchange Improvements following NEPA and before final design. Following this process, final engineering design, potential right of way acquisition, and construction could occur if a Build Alternative is selected.

Other Projects

The area around the Speer Boulevard and 23rd Avenue Bridge and Interchange Project is undergoing changes, including Empower Field at Mile High Stadium, Ball Arena, Elitch Gardens, Speer Boulevard, and along the South Platte River. The project is taking these developments into consideration during the evaluation of alternatives and the future NEPA process.

  • River Mile: Rive Mile is a mixed-use development connecting the urban environment to the natural environment. River Mile will incorporate residential, commercial, and business development to create a “new kind of downtown” experience in Denver.
  • KSE Ball Arena Vision Plan: KSE Ball Arena Vision Plan is a mixed-use neighborhood made accessible to the entire city, including plans to offer improved connections across Speer Boulevard, Auraria Parkway, and the Light Rail line. The emphasis is on multimodal transportation and livable streets.
  • Diamond Hill Redevelopment: The Diamond Hill Redevelopment is a 10.5-acres site for mixed-used development. One-thousand residential units and two office buildings are proposed and will allow up to 12 stories.
  • Cherry Creek & Speer Boulevard Vision Study: The Cherry Creek and Speer Boulevard Vision Study will improve how people move through Speer Boulevard and Cherry Creek Trail between Colfax Avenue and I-25. The study focuses on environmental, public space, and recreational, cultural, connectivity, inclusivity ,commerce and education elements. The study builds off the Urban Land Institute Technical Advisory Panel Report.
Next Steps

Finalizing Purpose & Need

The team will review any public input received and finalize the Purpose & Need Statement.

Screening and Refining Alternatives

The project team will combine technical evaluation and community input to screen out draft alternatives that do not sufficiently meet Purpose & Need and refine the remaining alternatives for more detailed evaluation.

Next Public Meeting

Another public meeting is planned for early 2025. That public meeting will:

  • Show alternative(s) that are recommended to advance into NEPA, based on technical and public input
  • Show bike and pedestrian facilities for recommended alternative(s)
Draft Purpose & Need
Draft Project Alternatives