Aurora’s Nine Mile Bridge Moves Forward: The Vision to Reality
Aurora, Colorado, has spent over a decade planning, redesigning, and securing funding for the Nine Mile Bridge, and they are now ready to begin construction. The bridge is intended for both walking and cycling, and will span Parker Road to the west of I-225, creating a safer way to connect the RTD Nine Mile Station with the neighboring areas.
To the public, the bridge is a symbol of urban remodeling along with the improvement of pedestrian safety and sustainable urban development. Completion of the bridge will mark the decade of work that Aurora has put into improving the area’s multimodal transportation system and boosting the Under-Developed Aurora Economic Region.
Background: The Impact of Nine Mile Bridge
Pre-pandemic, the Nine Mile Station was having over 5,000 users a day, making it the busiest stop in the RTD light rail network. Nearby, over 150,000 cars cross I-225, and 60,000 cars on Parker Road. These figures indicate the dire necessity for improved pedestrian and cycling routes in the area.
City planners assume a population and employment growth of 11% and 15% respectively from 2020 to 2040 in that particular area. This means a growth in population from 12,500 to 14,100 and growth in employment from 9,750 to 11,500. In addition, 1.5 million people visit the nearby Cherry Creek State Park every year. This gives the bridge a perspective as a primary safety construction that mitigates and gives direct access to the low risk of accidents among pedestrians and cyclists of Cherry Creek State Park.
At the moment, pedestrians have the option of taking long and circuitous paths or trying to cross ten lanes of traffic on Parker Road which is life threatening to say the least. In addition, the Nine Mile Bridge was built in part to solve this problem by providing a direct and convenient crossing of Parker Road as well as offering safe intermediate shelter to pedestrians.
City representatives comment, “The bridge will provide a safer and more convenient connection between the RTD Nine Mile Rail and Bus Station and the nearby residences and businesses. Those include a large urban renewal and redevelopment site, The Point at Nine Mile Station. It internally satisfies the bridge construction in the Nine Mile region as well as cross metropolitan expenditures.”
A Community-Driven Project
Council member of Ward 4, Stephanie Hancock has addressed the focus of the Council and the citizens on the importance of the bridge for safety and mobility. She has also stated that she is an RTD user and uses it every day.
Hancock stated that, “The Nine Mile Pedestrian Bridge will increase accessibility and transportation mobility for every resident in the area.” “This feature allows all types of transporters to safely and easily cross the highway without the danger of being struck by a vehicle.”
The bridge forms part of an integrated Transit Oriented Development (TOD) strategy, which advocates for urban areas with a high population density that are easily walkable and served by public transport. In 2013, the Nine Mile Station Area Plan provided for the area to the south of the light rail to develop as a mixed-use, walkable district with public and private residential, retail, and office space within easy walking distance of the light rail.
“This area is one of the new Emerging Urban Centers identified by Metro Vision,” city planners told. “The Nine Mile Strategic Urban Renewal Area was the first step towards realizing that vision as defined by the Station Area Plan.”
Hancock has had the chance to observe the area change firsthand over the past ten years.
“I saw an overgrown, abandoned plaza and trap house area, and now there are shops, restaurants, community apartments, and a community center. The entire area is busy and alive,’” she said.
Funding Challenges and Redesigns
The city was able to receive federal funding in 2019; however, the construction schedules for the first round and the budget estimates did not align and the project was put on hold in late 2022. City officials then obtained more funding and made new plans for the bridge to fit the budget.
Some of the more notable changes include the replacement of the steel-arch design bridge with a truss system to reduce construction costs, the closing of the bridge to address safety concerns, and the replacement of the steel-arch elevators with longer concrete ramps that are ADA compliant. The excessive length of the concrete ramps also assists in keeping the safety of the users, as well as preventing overnight camping by the homeless; elevators are major safety concerns.
Permitting and design are anticipated to be completed by fall 2025, with construction scheduled to start in winter 2025/26. With completion expected to last for 18 months, the project aims for a late spring 2027 opening.
Although the lighting, accessibility, and security issues were raised, Aurora’s Planning and Zoning Commission, for the purpose of the March public hearing, approved the project without dissent. The commitment by the City to provide pedestrian lighting and surveillance cameras, accessible for Aurora police, addresses functional and safety needs for all users.
Urban Areas Improvement
Nine Mile Bridge is a work of transit architecture in the city but in addition, it can become a community landmark. The city has commissioned public artwork to a company of Seattle-based designer Vicki Scuri and her team for the added art elements, who draws on the area’s prairie colors for bridge artwork and on the city’s cultural diversity. The community has been involved through workshops to assist in designing the bridge and help demonstrate the pride and values of the area.
Hancock says there are two dimensions to the bridge.
“Yes, it will be beautiful but also functional and easily accessible to all.”
Catalyzing Redevelopment
As said during an interview, the bridge will serve as a catalyst for the north side of Parker Road economic growth. The mixed-use redevelopment, The Point at Nine Mile Station, will bring new apartments, retail, and restaurants and will be enhanced by improved pedestrian and bicycle access.
“The addition of these facilities, as part of the overall truck and transit planning, will promote economic competitiveness for this redevelopment area,” the city said.
The Nine Mile Bridge, as a part of the whole city development, will support the promotion of public transit, less usage of private cars, controlled urban sprawl, and serves as a major cross-section of an urban area that needs development. It will also support urban safety, the placement of public art, and foster economic growth.
Anticipated Impact
As claimed by the city planners, the bridge will enhance daily transit ridership, connect better to Cherry Creek trail and state park, and accommodate the expected growth in population and jobs. This project is an example of how the city of Aurora integrates urban infrastructure, maintaining a balanced approach of public safety.
“I cannot wait for this project to start,” said Hancock. “We’re going to build a bridge over a decade with a deployed scenic sight nearby and countless access roads serving all forms of public transport. That’ll do wonders for the entire region.”
Most of the issues that pedestrians and cyclists faced will now be resolved. It will also enhance overall safety in the area. It’s also a classic example of multi-modal connectivity that serves pedestrians, cyclists, and those with limited mobility. By providing safe, quick, and direct access, it will reduce the number of RTD-supported public active transport crossings, encourage cycling, and support RTD’s overall mission to improve public transport.
Overall, the bridge eliminates the risk of crossing Parker Road with 10 lanes of traffic. The overall idea of this structure together with public art will be a more holistic and functional urban artwork.
The Nine Mile Bridge example shows how, with the strategic integration of public transport routes, urban residential areas can drastically improve and transform. The public transport routes together with Aurora’s mixed-use urban residential zones and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure enhance community walkability and vibrancy.
The bridge improves access to transport nodes, parks, shops, and residential areas, proving that investments in infrastructure development can aid economic growth, enhance public safety, and enrich the quality of life.
Community And Economic Benefits
In addition to safety and accessibility, the bridge is expected to:
- Enhance property values in the surrounding residential areas.
- Enhance economic activity through increased customer visits to the local shops.
- Promote eco-friendly commuting, thus lowering greenhouse gas emissions from personal vehicular transport.
- Offer an iconic piece of infrastructure that embodies the character and pride of Aurora.
Well-conceived and designed infrastructure can, in this instance, impact transportation, the people, businesses, and the ecosystem.
Conclusion
Of all Aurora’s planned infrastructure projects for the decade, the Nine Mile Bridge is possibly the most important. Aurora’s community pride can be felt in the promise that the bridge, after all the years of delay, redesign, and the struggle to raise funds, can finally bring safety, economic growth, and accessibility.
The bridge, in conjunction with the surrounding parks, planned redevelopment, and the RTD Nine Mile Station will provide Aurora with a symbol of transformation, as well as a functional transport link.
Hancock reiterates the widely shared feeling from the locality.
“I can’t wait for this bridge to be finished. Its beauty will be matched by its functionality and accessibility. It will be a valuable addition for all citizens. It will undeniably aid in the growth and vitality of this community.”
Aurora will soon be a city where people can commute safely and the city will keep its vibrant feel. This will aid in urban planning, with construction starting in 2025/26 and completion expected by 2027.
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