The city council in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, approved a federal grant contract worth almost $50 million earlier this month. The grant will support the South Bridge project, which officials say will connect State Highway 82 (SH 82) to the western side of the Roaring Fork River in south Glenwood Springs.
The total estimated project cost is around $80 million, with the federal grant covering about 80% of the cost, while the city is responsible for the remaining 20%. The grant comes through the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Though officials continue to have discussions with design partners, current plans show a bridge extending from SH 82 to just south of the Glenwood Springs Municipal Airport. The bridge will span the Roaring Fork River and include infrastructure for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
Officials say the project will create a second paved evacuation route to improve emergency access for residents in south Glenwood Springs and that the area has been under increased wildfire threat in recent years. The design also calls for improved transit infrastructure along the corridor connecting the bridge to existing roadways.
Alongside roadway improvements, the plan calls for upgrades to walking and biking paths along the corridor. Officials expect the improvements to lower transportation costs for households while expanding access to recreational areas.
The Nov. 6 approval allows the city to formally obligate the grant, meaning federal dollars will flow through the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to Glenwood Springs. City staff will now complete right-of-way acquisition, environmental documentation and utility clearances before putting the project out to bid.
Bidding could begin in late January or February if the schedule holds, according to City Engineer Ryan Gordon. Construction is expected to start in summer 2026 and take roughly two years to complete. The start date could shift depending on federal approvals and the contracting process, officials said.
Beyond emergency access, officials say the bridge will ease commuter traffic congestion on existing routes. The bridge would also enable Ride Glenwood to provide transit service between SH 82 and a mobile home park. City, county and state transportation planning documents have identified the project as a top priority.
Photo by Pixabay
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