Alameda Ave Underpass Rehabilitation

Project Overview

The W Alameda Ave Underpass pedestrian pathway between Cherokee St and S Santa Fe Drive provides a vital mobility link for Denver residents to retail stores, light rail, recreational and commercial destinations on each side of the railroad corridor. Currently, this site presents several functional and experiential deficiencies in the concrete retaining walls that DOTI identified for improvements in the 2019 Connect Alameda Feasibility Study. Foremost among these issues is the narrow width of the pedestrian/cyclist pathway, the noise and proximity of passing vehicles, and the condition of the existing retaining walls, which exhibit crumbling, cracking, and spalling concrete from overhead that presents safety hazards to both adjacent vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Ultimate Improvements

The ultimate improvements require reconstruction of the retaining walls and replacement of the railroad bridge structures to widen the corridor, which is part of the city's long-term planning.

Interim Improvements

Until the ultimate improvements can take place, the intermit solution will address safety hazards and improve the visual and contextual experience for all users. The project, funded by the 2017 voter-approved Elevate Denver GO Bond, which allocated $7 million for the project, will stabilize the structure and make ADA improvements. The project will include a new grade-separated, ADA-compliant sidewalk/multiuse path along the north side of Alameda. The project will also stabilize deteriorating wall sections.

Traffic Impacts

Working Hours:

• Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Minimal night work may be required but will adhere to all noise ordinance requirements
• Minimal daytime weekend work may be required throughout the project

Lane Closures and Work Updates

• In mid-February, the project will be transitioning to phase 2 and all traffic will be switched to the westbound lanes (one lane in each direction) while crews complete work in the eastbound lanes. Motorists should use extra caution and follow all signage in the area.
• To help alleviate traffic congestion on Alameda between Santa Fe and Cherokee, a suggested detour will be in place through mid-February while work on Phase 1 of the project is underway. East and westbound motorists are advised to use Mississippi Avenue as an alternate route.
• From late-January to mid-February, there will be a right lane closure and sidewalk closure on northbound Santa Fe just north and south of Alameda for sidewalk and ramp work. Vehicles will still be able to turn right onto Alameda.
• Both directions of traffic will be reduced to single lanes through the work zone.
• During the first phase of work, there will be a 24/7 closure of the westbound lanes and westbound traffic will be shifted to the left eastbound lane.
• During the second phase of work, all traffic will be moved to the westbound lanes and eastbound traffic will be shifted to the left westbound lane.
• There will be potential full closures of the underpass with a detour in place for approximately 24 hours each, likely no more than two times throughout the course of the project.
• Pedestrian traffic will not encounter any significant impacts or detours throughout the course of the project.

Project Map

Interim Sidewalk Improvements