$1.2 billion I-70 project breaks ground today (Denver, Aurora: neighborhoods, living, cost)

[Hschlick84]

The $1.2 billion I-70 project breaks officially, removing the viaduct between Brighton and Colorado Blvd. Should be completed in 4 years (2022) if all goes accordingly and within budget. I remember having to go through this area under the interstate whenever attending the National Western Stock Show or going to events at the Denver Coliseum. It would have been nice without the tolls in my opinion.

Very similar to the Papago Freeway I-10 project Phoenix had in 1990.


https://www.9news.com/article/traffi...t/73-578742372

[bluescreen73]

Still chaps my ass that they're flushing money down the drain to sink the freeway and build the deck park (downwind from the dog food factory no less). That park isn't a need. It's totally frivolous, and mark my word it's gonna end up creating massive cost overruns.

[davebarnes]

Mark your calendar for August 4, 2024.
That will be the completion date.

[COcheesehead]

Originally Posted by bluescreen73

Still chaps my ass that they're flushing money down the drain to sink the freeway and build the deck park (downwind from the dog food factory no less). That park isn't a need. It's totally frivolous, and mark my word it's gonna end up creating massive cost overruns.

It was in response to liberals wanting to "reunite" the neighborhood on both sides of the highway. Never mind that most of the people from the original neighborhood prior to the interstate are dead.

[Left-handed]

It does look nice, though I don't suspect we'll see any major impacts to the associated neighborhoods until decades in the future.

What I'd really like to see is an expansion of East-West highways/avenues on the east part of town between Colfax and Hampden.

[Norrov]

Originally Posted by COcheesehead

It was in response to liberals wanting to "reunite" the neighborhood on both sides of the highway. Never mind that most of the people from the original neighborhood prior to the interstate are dead.

I figured it would be Park the homeless take over. At least you won’t be able to smell the BO and urine over the dog food plant!


There’s so much work in Denver that needs to be done, it’s going to be miserable though.

[emm74]

Originally Posted by COcheesehead

It was in response to liberals wanting to "reunite" the neighborhood on both sides of the highway. Never mind that most of the people from the original neighborhood prior to the interstate are dead.

So what? It's still a residential neighborhood. Why shouldn't the people living there get the benefit of some of Denver's green space? Making it a more attractive area is a long term benefit for everyone.

[davebarnes]

The overlay Park is not there for neighborhood unification.
It will be done because it is going to look great on certain people’s résumés.

[alloo66]

It's about time! I've seen viaducts pancake before. The freeway will probably open development up for Aurora and other Eastern towns.

[SkyDog77]

Originally Posted by alloo66

It's about time! I've seen viaducts pancake before. The freeway will probably open development up for Aurora and other Eastern towns.

If you’ve ever driven under that thing, it is downright scary. This project can not happen fast enough. While the neighbors on the north have sued to try to get the highways rerouted completely away from them, there is no disputing that what is happening will be a vast improvement for their neighborhood compared to what exists today.