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October 26, 2017: The official opening and ribbon cutting for the I-25/Cimarron is today! Pedestrians and cyclists can enjoy the beautiful new connections around I-25 and the Midland Trail, with more views of the creek and complete ADA compliance.
From the project team announcement:
“The previous asphalt-surfaced Midland Trail passed below I-25 through a former very low, dark, and narrow railroad tunnel,” said CDOT Project Director Dave Watt. “The previous trail under the interstate was not in a very good location and it was not aesthetically pleasing.” The new alignment of the Midland Trail is along Upper Fountain Creek with a concrete surface, aesthetic features and improved lighting under the I-25 bridge. The new trails connect to the regional trail system in Colorado Springs to the east and west of the project. The project also installed lighting for the existing Pikes Peak Greenway Trail underneath the Cimarron Bridge near Fountain Creek.
Placement of one new pedestrian bridge over Monument Creek enables more convenient connections between the Midland Trail and pedestrian/bicycle transportation routes to the east of the project, including a new access pathway to America the Beautiful Park. A pedestrian bridge that once spanned Upper Fountain Creek, east of I-25 and north of Cimarron Street was also replaced as part of the project. It was originally planned to be demolished to construct the new pedestrian bridge. Instead, the project contractor, Kraemer, relocated the intact old bridge structure to the Humane Society, connecting the main animal shelter over a drainage canal to provide them access to their dog park area.
A bicycle and pedestrian roundabout at the confluence of Fountain and Monument Creeks will provide a unique gathering place for trail users.
Concrete retaining wall panels with designs reflecting native fish in their habitat were installed along the new Midland Trail directly under I-25 bridges and along the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail under the Cimarron Bridge.[/spb_text_block] [spb_text_block pb_margin_bottom=”no” pb_border_bottom=”no” width=”1/2″ el_position=”first”]
The pre-fabricated Monument Creek pedestrian bridge structure was purchased by the City of Colorado Springs. This bridge will be located north of Cimarron Street and will provide a new connection from the paved Pikes Peak Greenway Trail over Monument Creek, which becomes the realigned Midland Trail along Fountain Creek to the west.
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Kraemer removed the original Fountain Creek pedestrian bridge intact. It is now being used by the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region for access to its dog park. The new bridge will be located just east of the old location and will be a longer and wider structure to accommodate creek improvements and higher flows.
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