Arapahoe Bridge over Big Dry Creek Replacement Project
Reconstruction of the bridge on Arapahoe Road, east of University Boulevard is underway. The existing bridge over Big Dry Creek was built in 1945 and is past its useful life. The Arapahoe Road Bridge project will replace the existing bridge structure and make other related improvements. The bridge is currently expected to open this month, depending on the paving schedule and weather.
Construction Notice for Week of November 20
On Wednesday, November 22, eastbound traffic will be entirely closed between 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. to allow for paving operations. When paving is finished, Arapahoe Road, including the intersection at Elizabeth Street, will be opened for the holiday weekend.
Detour routes on University Boulevard and Dry Creek Road are required.
Project Update (November 2023)
After discovering a utility conflict with the proposed bridge, the team has been working closely with Denver Water to relocate a waterline to accommodate the bridge work and improve an aging piece of Denver Water’s infrastructure.
Road closures will continue throughout the project. Prior to any closures an announcement will be sent to advise the public of alternate travel routes. People living in the nearby neighborhoods will still be able to get to their homes.
Work hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please pay attention while driving in the work zone and never drive distracted. Motorists should expect increased Arapahoe County Sheriff patrols in neighborhoods north and south of Arapahoe Road to manage cut-through traffic. All construction activities are weather-dependent and subject to change for the safety of crews and the traveling public.
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Upcoming Construction Impacts:
- Ongoing through November – In early November, crews will finish building the roadway over Big Dry Creek. Through November, crews will continue stream stabilization efforts under the bridge. Additionally, crews will prepare and pave the South Trail and sidewalks through the construction zone.
- Thanksgiving Hours – No work is planned on Thursday, November 23. Construction hours through the following weekend are still to be determined.
- Upcoming Traffic Impacts – The westbound lanes of the bridge are scheduled for paving starting Tuesday, November 7. The new roadway is scheduled to be striped the following week, after which traffic will be switched. Detour routes on University Boulevard and Dry Creek Road are highly encouraged.
The pedestrian/bike path is closed for the duration of the project. VIEW THE DETOUR MAP
View the project flyer(PDF, 265KB).
View images and videos of construction.
This reconstruction project will: