Important safety improvement project keeps pedestrian and cyclists off the highway grade
Glenwood Springs, CO– The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) and contractor partner, Myers & Sons have mobilized equipment and supplies in order to begin construction on the 27th Street Underpass Project.
The project impacts Colorado Highway 82 at the intersection of 27th Street. The work includes a reconfiguration of the Rio Grande Trail, drainage improvements and construction of two underpasses, one under 27th Street and the other under CO 82 to connect to the BRT station. The first impacts are scheduled to begin the week of May 8 with single lane and shoulder closures.
“We know the community is anxious for this project to begin but with new construction will also come some impacts once the traffic control starts to be configured,” said Ben Ludlow, RFTA Project Manager. “Any major traffic switches will occur at night in order to minimize impacts to motorists.”
The existing congestion from Midland Ave. across the 27th Street Bridge and through the roundabout at South Grand Ave. could increase travel time for motorists that frequent this location. Motorists are encouraged to visit our project website at 27thstreetproject.com to sign up for project updates.
Project Phasing
Initial clearing and grubbing-April 2023
April 2023 - October 2023
East portal construction and east half of CO 82 underpass construction.
October 2023 - May 2024
West half of CO 82 underpass, south half of 27th St. sidewalk construction.
May 2024- October 2024
North portion of Rio Grande Trail, north half of 27th St. underpass, north 27th St. sidewalk construction.
Traffic Impacts
Traffic will shift out of the current pattern to allow for construction of both underpasses.
Lane closures will be implemented for up valley (eastbound) traffic after 9 a.m. as part of the CDOT lane closure strategy in an effort to not interfere with commuter traffic. Down valley (westbound) lane closures will be removed each day by 3 p.m.
There will be two thru lanes and a left hand turn lane each direction on CO 82. 27th St. will lose the double left hand turn lane during phases 2 and 3.
There will also be a speed reduction to 25 MPH on CO 82 during construction.
Pedestrian Impacts
Pedestrians will not be allowed to cross the CO 82 Corridor at 27th St for the duration of the project.
In addition, Pedestrians will not be allowed to cross 27th St. on the west side of the intersection.
All pedestrian crossings of CO 82 will occur at 23rd St. A temporary pedestrian route on East 27th St will allow users to access the transit station and continue south along the CO 82 corridor.
Rio Grande Trail Impacts
The Rio Grande Trail will be closed and detoured from late April 2023 until the project completion in October 2024.
Directional and way finding signs will guide trail users from the detour that will go from 29th St. to Grand Ave. until it ties back into the Rio Grande Trail at 23rd St.