After eight months of construction, the 128 th Avenue bridge at I-25 reopened on Wednesday, July 9. The project replaces the existing bridge with one that can be widened in the future to feature two through-lanes in each direction and a sidewalk on each side.

"The original bridge was in poor condition which prompted CDOT to replace it," says Thornton Project Manager Matt Condon. "Thornton and Westminster chipped in $1.6 million for the additional costs to widen the bridge from two lanes without sidewalks to four lanes with 10-foot wide sidewalks and minor architectural elements." Initially, the bridge will be configured with one lane of traffic in each direction. Once 128 th Avenue is widened by Thornton and Westminster, the bridge will be reconfigured to carry two through lanes in each direction. Before the upgrade, the average daily traffic volume on the 128 th Avenue bridge was 14,700. That number is expected to be the same when the bridge reopens.

This new bridgehas the same look as other recent bridge upgrades along north I-25. Thornton utilized a $500,000 federal grant for a portion of its funding. "Minor architectural elements include a color scheme which matches other nearby structures, as well as ornamental fencing on the bridge," says Condon.