The whole region has spent more than 2 years preparing for it. And now, with less than 2 weeks to go before the closure and demolition of the Grand Avenue Bridge, officials with the Colorado Department of Transportation are holding one last open house this evening to help area residents get ready for the fourth phase of the massive project.
CDOT representatives will be on hand at the Glenwood Springs Community Center today from 4:30-6:30 to discuss alternatives for getting around town during the 95-day closure, and fielding any remaining questions that residents may still have about the project. After this evening’s meeting, CDOT’s efforts will be shifting to the final detour logistics that need to be in place before the closure begins.
Project officials have spent a great deal of time during the preparation for the bridge replacement encouraging everyone in the region who travels through Glenwood to find ways to modify their normal commuting habits before the bridge finally closes. They are hoping that carpooling, free RFTA buses, free in-town shuttles, and good old-fashioned walking and biking will reduce the current traffic volume by 35% until the project is complete.
The 64-year-old Grand Avenue Bridge – a familiar sight to generations of Western Slope residents – will be closing forever at midnight on Monday, August 14th.
