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Public utilities

Denver Approves Pedestrian Bridge Crossing Over Railroad Tracks in Wheat Ridge

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Public Utilities Commission of Colorado has given the green light for a pedestrian bridge crossing over the tracks of the BNSF Golden Subdivision Railroad and the Regional Transportation District (RTD) commuter rail in Wheat Ridge. The bridge will provide a grade-separated pedestrian and bicycle crossing at the Ward Station of the RTD G Line, offering improved accessibility and safety for commuters. The project, initiated by the City of Wheat Ridge, aims to enhance the region's transportation infrastructure. The approved preliminary plans outline a multi-use trail, pedestrian bridge, and plaza design, meeting or exceeding minimum requirements for clearances and safety features.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Public Utilities Commission of Colorado has deemed the application for a pedestrian bridge crossing by the City of Wheat Ridge complete and approved preliminary plans.
  • The proposed bridge will have a minimum of 31.01' clearance from the top of rail to the bottom of the bridge structure and will provide a minimum of 27.33' of horizontal clearance from the centerline of track to the abutment of the bridge structure.
  • The bridge structure will be designed to meet or exceed minimum requirements found in Commission Rules Regulating Railroads, Rail Fixed Guideways, Transportation by Rail, and Rail Crossings, 4 Code of Colorado Regulations (CCR) 723-7.
  • The pedestrian pathway will provide a minimum of approximately 14' of width with a covering over the bridge structure limiting height. Stairs and elevators will be provided on both sides of the bridge structure to provide access to the bridge.
  • Wheat Ridge estimates that there will be 540 pedestrians and 60 bicycles per day using the crossing when it opens, with projected increases to 720 pedestrians and 80 bicycles by the year 2050.
  • The estimated cost of the entire project is $10,352,100, which will be paid in full by the City of Wheat Ridge.
  • The Commission requires Wheat Ridge to provide final plans for review and approval by August 31, 2024, and retains jurisdiction to enter further decisions as necessary.

Statistics:

  • 81 commuter rail trains and two freight trains per day will currently use the corridor at the location of the proposed grade separation.
  • Freight trains travel at a maximum timetable speed of 79 MPH, while RTD light rail trains travel at a maximum timetable speed of 40 MPH.
  • The approved clearance for the bridge structure will meet minimum requirements of 31.01' for overhead clearance and 27.33' for horizontal clearance.
  • The estimated daily user count for the pedestrian crossing is 540 pedestrians and 60 bicycles, with projected increases to 720 pedestrians and 80 bicycles by 2050.

Sources:

  • Decision No. C24-0591-I BEFORE THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO PROCEEDING NO. 24A-0288R
  • Commission Rules Regulating Railroads, Rail Fixed Guideways, Transportation by Rail, and Rail Crossings, 4 Code of Colorado Regulations (CCR) 723-7

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