Connecting Auraria: Larimer Bridge Replacement and Streetscaping

The Denver Department of Transportation & Infrastructure (DOTI) constructed new streetscaping enhancements on Larimer Street in Downtown between 14th Street and Speer. This included demolishing the aging bridge structure over Cherry Creek and replacing with a new bridge and wider sidewalks.

This section of Larimer has been constructed as a curbless street with wider sidewalks and a two-way protected bikeway. Streetscaping improvements were also added such as pedestrian lighting, seating, and additional trees.

Completed Improvements

  • Replacement of the existing bridge on Larimer Street over Cherry Creek
  • Reconstruction of Larimer Street between 14th Street and Speer as a curbless street with patterned concrete
  • ADA-accessible curb ramps on bridge approach
  • Widened sidewalks and a two-way protected bikeway
  • Streetscape enhancements including lighting, seating, and trees, and planters

New soft and hard scape between 14th and Speer

Flowers, plants and benches being installed on Larimer Street between 14th and Speer

New awning on Larimer Street Bridge

New awning being installed on the Larimer Bridge

New pathway between north and southbound Speer

New pathway and bike lanes on Larimer Street between north and southbound Speer

New landscaping south of 14th before the bridge

New trees and landscaping installed on Larimer Street south of 14th before the Larimer Bridge

Sidewalks poured at Speer & Larimer - August 2023

Workers pouring a new concrete sidewalk at Speer Boulevard and Larimer Street

Sidewalks poured at Speer & Larimer - August 2023

Workers pouring a new concrete sidewalk at Speer Boulevard and Larimer Street

Project Status: Complete

Construction was completed in fall of 2023.

Council District: 9

Neighborhoods:
Central Business District, Auraria

Project Background

The Connecting Auraria project was funded through the voter-approved Elevate Denver Bond Program. The project will better integrate the Auraria Campus with Downtown as envisioned by the Connecting Auraria Plan by enhancing the street between 14th Street and the campus.

The existing Larimer Street bridge was in need of replacement and the sidewalks along the structure were too narrow. Reconstructing the bridge results in a new cross-section that improves the street for the high numbers of pedestrians and bicyclists that use this street while also enhancing public space in a historic part of Downtown.

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