Foothills Parkway Bicycle and Pedestrian Underpass

About the Project

The existing bicycle and pedestrian bridge over Foothills Parkway south of Colorado Avenue connects neighborhoods east and west of Foothills Parkway to the University of Colorado, schools, parks and other bicycle and pedestrian paths, lanes and sidewalks.

This bridge was constructed in 1978 and is at the end of its service life, requiring more frequent maintenance as well as not meeting current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines and other bicycle facility design guidelines.

Photos of existing conditions

Project Purpose and Scope

This project will provide an underpass crossing of Foothills Parkway for pedestrians and bicyclists meeting current guidelines and standards. The existing bridge will be removed. Additional work items include connections to adjacent bicycle and pedestrian paths, signage, bicycle parking and urban design/public art. Additional work and features may be added through the planning design or construction process as the project budget allows.

Project Status

Following the consideration of community feedback and technical evaluation, the recommended alternative is 1b. This alternative will:

Improve mobility for all ages and abilities,
Maintain the neighborhood access for the various bicycle and pedestrian travel patterns
Provide a more direct crossing connection compared to other alternatives (does not require entry ramp loops and steep grades,
Provide access to the Wellman Ditch company for maintenance, which is also an improvement from existing conditions,
Be constructed within the project budget and with a shorter construction duration compared to the other alternatives.

Participants in the public process generally favored alternative 1b, and it supports other factors such as within project budget, shorter construction period, directness of travel and connections to natural features.

The project is being reviewed through the city’s Community and Environmental Assessment Process (CEAP). The CEAP assesses potential impacts of a public project to inform the selection and refinement of a preferred project alternative. The Transportation Advisory Board will review the CEAP at their June 11 meeting and offer recommendations. The CEAP will then be forwarded to City Council for potential call-up by July 17.