Globeville Levee Improvements

Starting in November 2025, access to the South Platte River Trail will be closed at 45th Avenue behind the McDonald's Restaurant. Due to ongoing safety concerns regarding this access point, and despite having focused police presence, the City of Denver has decided to close this trail access point indefinitely. These concerns are compounded by the anticipated changes in topography resulting from the levee construction, which could further compromise visibility.

Prior to the closure at 45th Avenue, a new access point at 46th Avenue will be opened. In addition, a temporary access point at Washington Street & Ringsby Court will open next summer, with permanent trail access at this point planned in the future.

The nearest access points to the trail are:

• Washington Street to E 46th Avenue

- Existing trail access on the north side of 46th Avenue

- New trail access on the south side of 46th Avenue (opening Fall 2025)

• Washington Street/38th Street, just south of Globeville Landing Park

• Temporary Trail Access at Washington Street & Ringsby Court (Summer 2026)

- Made Permanent in Phase 3 of Globeville Levee Construction (Future Construction)

• Future Bettie Cram Bridge at 48th Avenue (Late 2026)

For more information about the trail access closure please email: parksandrecreation@denvergov.org

Starting in August 2025,the South Platte River Trail will be closed to pedestrians and cyclists, between East 46th Avenue and the Globeville Landing Park pedestrian bridge. There will be a protected bike detour onto East 46th Avenue through the Denver Coliseum parking lot and Globeville Landing Park. South Platte River Trail access will also be closed at 45th Avenue behind the McDonald's. This replaces the protected bike detour on Washington Street which will be dismantled. All detours remain in effect until May 2026.

Single-lane closures during the weekend on East 46th Avenue over the South Platte River through mid-June to accommodate utility related work. The intermittent lane closures will be on East 46th Ave between National Western Drive and Washington Street. The road will remain open to two-way traffic.

Click here to see the latest trail detours.

Expect delays on Washington Street between 46th and 50th Avenues. Weather permitting, construction crews will begin removing the median on Washington Street between 46th and 47th. Flaggers will be in place to direct traffic. Crews will also begin installing the bike and pedestrian detour from the South Platte River Trail, which will require traffic shifts on Washington Street. Residents should expect ongoing traffic shifts on Washington Street through the summer of 2025.

More information:

• Click here(PDF, 262KB) for a map of construction impacts related to the South Platte River Trail detour
• Click here to see the latest RTD service changes
• Click here to see the latest trail detours

The City and County of Denver, along with its contractor, began construction of the Globeville Levee Improvements Phase 2. This project will upgrade the existing levee and flood control system along the west bank of the South Platte River by raising the existing earthen embankment levee and floodwalls to meet FEMA requirements. Learn more about the South Platte River Trail Improvement Plan here.

Construction begins in December and will last through May 2025. During construction, 48th Avenue between Washington and Emerson, and Clarkson St and Emerson St between 48th and 49th Avenue will be closed. Local access will be provided for residents and businesses. The South Platte River Trail will be closed to pedestrians and cyclists, with a detour onto Washington Street. RTD will temporarily relocate the northbound bus stop #17169 at Washington St and 47th Ave to the south side of the intersection near Den-Col Supply. All closures remain in effect until May 2025. Phase 3 Globeville Levee construction between 38th Street and 31st Street will follow completion of Phase 2.