Mesa Road Bridge Reconstruction: Monument Valley Connectivity Impacts

Big changes are coming to your commute and trail rides. Starting this month, a major rehabilitation project will temporarily close a key link in our network: the Cache la Poudre/Mesa Road bridge.

We know this is a significant disruption for those who use this route to link the east and west sides of our historic core or to reach Colorado College, the Fine Arts Center, and the Pikes Peak Greenway. Here is the essential info on how to navigate the area during construction.

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The Impact: Closures & Detours

Due to the complexity of this historic restoration, the project is expected to take 7 to 8 months.

The Good News: We expect both the East and West sides of the Pikes Peak Greenway trails to remain open throughout construction. In the case that one side of The Pikes Peak Greenway Trail needs to close the other side will remain open and occasional detours will be posted as needed.

• Week of April 6: The Pikes Peak Greenway Trail (east side) Mesa Road underpass is now closed as crews begin work in the creek bed. The trail remains open via a well-marked detour around the construction zone.
• April 20: The bridge will close completely to all users—drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. This closes the most direct route to the I-25 pedestrian bridge.

Navigating the Closure

• Creek Crossings: Please use the Uintah Street bridge or the pedestrian bridge at the south end of Monument Valley Park.
• Park Access: Access to the pickleball courts, pool, and west-side features is only available via Glen Avenue at Uintah Street.
• Parking: Park users are asked to stay on the west side of the creek; Colorado College students and staff should park on the east side where possible.

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Why Now? Preserving a 90-Year-Old Landmark

This bridge is a piece of Colorado Springs history. Built in the mid-1930s as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project, the same era that gave us the iconic stone walls along Monument Creek, it has served our community for nearly a century.

This restoration is essential to:

• Ensure Safety: Replacing the aging decking and structural components will keep the bridge standing for another 50+ years.
• Historic Restoration: The Art Deco details and other historic features of the bridge will be protected and refurbished during construction for future generations to enjoy.
• Improve Mobility: This plan includes wider sidewalks on both sides, which will provide a significant and much-needed upgrade for everyone walking and rolling across the creek. While we advocated for wider sidewalks than proposed or a more park-integrated design such as a ‘woonerf‘ or shared-space configuration to better suit the Monument Valley Park environment, the city’s final plans remained focused on a more traditional roadway layout with two 12-foot lanes.

The detour is a hurdle, but the result will be a safer, wider, and more accessible bridge for everyone.

Stay informed on trail status here: coloradosprings.gov/cachelapoudrebridge