CPWJ_09-Winter 2017_V3:CPWJ 1/24/17 6:50 PM Page 45 RTD FASTRACKS Christina Zazueta The Tale of Two Bridges Over I-25 If you have traveled on I-25 between Lincoln Avenue and time, reduced I-25 closures due to bridge work, and the RidgeGate Parkway recently, you may have noticed a new elimination of future service disruptions on RTD’s E, F and landmark. Rising from the highway median is the new light rail R light rail lines, which are in close proximity to the bridges. bridge foundation for the Southeast Rail Extension project. However, the I-25 light rail bridge will not be alone in crossing The Southeast Rail Extension Project will expand the South- over I-25. east Rail Line 2.3 miles from Lincoln Station to RidgeGate Parkway in Lone Tree. The expansion encompasses three This first bridge, which will carry light rail trains, will cross over new stations as follows: the SkyRidge Station and Kiss-n- the highway from the Sky Ridge Station (south of Lincoln Ave. Ride near Sky Ridge Medical Center; a second Kiss-n-Ride at on the west and end up north of the future Lone Tree City the future LoneTree City Center Station; and a 1,300-space Center Station, on the east). Park-n-Ride at the RidgeGate Parkway Station. The 2.3-mile extension includes a 5-span, 620-foot-long bridge over Meanwhile, a second bridge, located about 15 feet south of Lincoln Avenue; an 11-span, 1,397-foot-long bridge over I-25 the light rail bridge, will be constructed simultaneously. This and a 4-span, 506-foot-long bridge over RidgeGate Parkway. second bridge will connect vehicle traffic from the Sky Ridge Station (near the Sky Ridge Medical Center, on the west) to When the extension is open for revenue service in 2019, the future Lone Tree City Center, which is under development residents will be able to travel from the RidgeGate station on on the east side of I-25. the new R Line through Aurora to Peoria Station and connect to the commuter train to Denver International Airport. They RTD’s selected contractor, Balfour Beatty Infrastructure, Inc. will be able to travel from RidgeGate to Union Station on the (BBII), is building the I-25 Light Rail Bridge for the Southeast E Line and from RidgeGate to 18th and California in Rail Extension and has also been selected by the Rampart downtown Denver on the F Line. Range Metropolitan District (RRMD) in Lone Tree to build the Sky Ridge Bridge Extension, which will be used by vehicles. The two-lane vehicle bridge will let traffic flow in each direction along with a bike lane, and room for pedestrians. The Sky Ridge Bridge Expansion will open to vehicle traffic after roadways and infrastructure are completed for the new Lone Tree City Center. When completed, the City Center will be an urban neighborhood featuring the light rail station and a mix of office, retail and residential space. Constructing both bridges simultaneously offers many benefits. This will improve efficiency, shorten construction time and mitigate impacts and cost. Also, commuters traveling through the area will benefit from decreased construction The author is a public information manager RTD Winter 2017 /// 45.