West Jewell Avenue Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge

A proposed bicycle and pedestrian bridge over Santa Fe Drive/US 85 and the adjacent freight railroad and RTD light rail tracks near West Jewell Avenue has been more than a decade in the making. The need for a safe, grade separated crossing to provide east-to-west connectivity for pedestrians and bicyclists is identified in several City plans, and this high-priority project received funding through the City and County of Denver’s 2017 Elevate Denver Bond Program.

Planned Improvements  

• Bridge providing improved safety and mobility for pedestrians and bicyclists between Pasquinel's Landing park, the Platte River Trail and south Broadway corridors
• ADA-compliant design
• Better bicycle connection to RTD’s Evans Station
• Bridge landings on both sides of Santa Fe Drive
• Associated landscaping improvements
• Engineering design coordination with the Iowa Underpass Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements project
  

Project Benefits  

• Connects neighborhoods on the east side of Santa Fe Drive (Overland, Platte Park, Rosedale, University and Washington Park) with the South Platte River Trail and neighborhoods on the west side (Overland, Ruby Hill, College View and southwest Denver)
• Seamless connection to the upcoming multi-use path on Santa Fe Dr/US85 between Florida Ave. and Jewell Ave.
• Better connectivity between transportation and recreational resources
• Improves public safety and access

Project Map

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Project Background and Materials

Jewell Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Conceptual Alignment and Constraints Design Analysis Report(PDF, 3MB)

The Jewell Avenue pedestrian bridge has been recommended in previous planning studies to improve multimodal connections within the greater Evans Station area.  In 2019, DOTI staff conducted an analysis to understand existing conditions and neighborhood changes near the Jewell Avenue alignment to confirm project scope and develop concept designs to addresses area issues and constraints. This report summarizes existing conditions, issues, and constraints that will inform conceptual design alternatives and evaluation criteria.