Title
Circle Drive Bridges Replacement Project and Circle Drive Bridges Student Ambassadors Program
Presenter:
Ryan Phipps, P.E., Sr. Civil Engineer, Public Works Department
Body
Summary:
An investigation of the existing condition of the Circle Drive Bridges was conducted to determine if the bridges should be rehabilitated or replaced with new structures. For both options investigated, a life-cycle cost analysis was performed to create a base line for comparison. An outline of the expected life of each alternative was also conducted.
Findings from this investigation indicated that a complete replacement of the bridge structures was needed. The project team is now developing a cost-effective solution to facilitate a successful project. Preliminary design is April 2019 - January 2020. Final design is expected February 2020 -- February 2021. While a construction start date has not yet been set, construction is anticipated to take approximate two years. During this time, the public will experience traffic impacts, such as detours, lane shifts and minimized speeds, and will be notified in advance.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Background:
The eastbound and westbound lanes of Circle Drive are carried on a total of four bridges consisting of two sets of twin structures. The overall bridge width for both structures is 82 feet and carries two lanes of traffic in both directions. They span over Fountain Creek, the BNSF railroad, an irrigation ditch, Las Vegas Street, Hancock Expressway, Pikes Peak Greenway Trail, and a pedestrian path between Las Vegas Street and the Creek.
The Circle Drive Bridges were originally built in 1963. Having exceeded their 50-year service life, and after in-depth analyses of the existing condition, the City has initiated a planning and design process to replace the bridges. The replacement project will assure the new bridges perform better and are safer for the community, while reducing impacts to the traveling public during construction.
This item supports the City’s strategic goal through building community and collaborative relationships, as well as investing in infrastructure. Whether working with the community, or creating and maintaining infrastructure, Public Works is integral to the safety and quality of life of our citizens.
Financial Implications:
The design of this project is funded through the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority
Board/Commission Recommendation:
N/A
Stakeholder Process:
A robust public and stakeholder involvement process is underway for this project. The first public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 25, 2019 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. (presentation at 6 p.m.) at the Solid Rock Christian Life Center, 2520 Arlington Drive, Colorado Springs, 80910.
Through the Circle Drive Bridges Student Ambassadors Program, the City of Colorado Springs is working with Harrison High School to inform and train students as project ambassadors in their community. They are educating and gathering feedback from the community while being introduced to the planning and engineering process. The feedback obtained from the program will inform the development of the Circle Drive Bridges plan to better reflect the opinions and preferences of a broader population. The student ambassadors were selected to be part of this program due to their interest in road construction, engineering and public communications. Having spent a day touring the project site and visiting with engineers, they will also participate in the April 25 public open house interacting with the public.
Alternatives:
N/A
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
N/A
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A