Colorado Springs will remove the El Paso Street Bridge over Platte Avenue on Oct. 12 due to “irreparable damage” caused by a semi-truck in Aug. 2021. The bridge has been closed since then.
Crews will break up the bridge into smaller pieces to take it down. Settlement money from the semi-truck crash will help fund the construction.
The bridge was struck by the semi-truck, sustaining serious damage. It cannot be repaired.
Removal of the bridge is urgent as concrete and debris have fallen from the bridge, according to city officials.
"We're seeing deterioration where we have concrete falling off. There's a concern for motorists driving below," said City Engineer Gayle Sturdivant.
Road traffic will be shifted as construction impacts Fillmore Street, east of Interstate 25. Platte Avenue will be closed from North Hancock Avenue to Wahsatch Avenue.
Westbound traffic is advised to go south on Hancock Avenue, while eastbound traffic is advised to go south on Wahsatch Avenue.
There are no plans to replace the bridge currently, but the return bridge and the Shooks Run Trail will stay intact.
Officials expect construction to be finished by Oct. 15, weather permitting.
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Source: KKTV, KRDO
