West Jewell Avenue Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge

Numerous studies from the last decade address the need for a bike and pedestrian bridge at Jewell Ave across Santa Fe Dr. The 2019 Bridge Conceptual Alignment and Constraints Design Analysis Report gathered data and input from the community and various government agencies to identify a preferred alternative for the bridge.

Throughout the design phase and construction activities, Denver will continue to coordinate with railroad officials, and federal, state and local agencies that will be impacted by this bridge project.

The project is part of the Elevate Denver Bond Program: a 10-year, $937 million general obligation bond program approved by voters in 2017. The Elevate Denver program will enhance the City and County of Denver by providing critical improvements to the City’s infrastructure, including roads, sidewalks, parks, recreation centers, libraries, cultural centers, public-owned buildings and safety facilities.

In 2022, this project received additional funding through the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) Fiscal Year 2022-2025 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) grant.

Ramps are safer, more cost effective and easier to maintain than elevators.

The Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railroad requires bridges over its tracks to be 23 ½ feet above the rail so that it doesn’t impede with safety and freight operations.

RTD requires 4 feet of clearance over the electrified catenary line above their tracks. At its highest point, the bridge will be 30 feet above these tracks.

To promote safety, the bridge will be well lit and designed with a clear line of sight to travel throughout the community. To help deter vandalism, an anti-graffiti coating is being considered.

The bridge and the ramps leading to it will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ADA-compliant railings will be put in place to improve accessibility to the bridge.

In the interest of public safety and to avoid disrupting freight train and RTD operations, the project team is considering a number of ramp barriers, including plexiglass or tightly-woven fencing.

Yes, one percent of all capital improvement projects with funding greater than $1 million goes towards public art. This includes the Jewell/Evans Bridge project. The Arts and Venues Department will coordinate the public art project. Typically, community members will be given an opportunity to participate on the committee to select the artist.

The project will provide critical regional bike and pedestrian trail linkage and east-west connectivity between transportation and recreational resources. Neighborhoods to the east (Overland, Platte Park, Rosedale, University, Washington Park) will have access to the South Platte River Trail/Ruby Hill Park and neighborhoods to the west (Overland, Ruby Hill, College View and southwest Denver) will have access to the RTD Evans Station.

No. The option of locating the western approach north of Jewell Avenue was investigated early in the design process but not pursued. There were too many negative impacts to neighboring properties, regional trail connectivity and mobility access, safety and visibility.

Because of this, the preferred alternative locates the western approach to the south of Jewell Avenue.

A triangular-shaped spiral structure for the eastern approach ramp will use existing space more efficiently, maximize ADA accessibility, provide comfort and openness to all users, and minimize ramp steepness over other shapes.

Project completion is scheduled for early 2027.

For more information on the Jewell/Evans Bridge project, visit the project website. For project questions or concerns, email abi.subramanian@denvergov.org.