Nine Mile Bridge Construction and Design Enhancements

Consultation has concluded

Final rendering of new Nine Mile pedestrian bridge

Project Update (as of Aug. 29, 2025)

The city is leading design and construction work on a pedestrian bridge over Parker Road near Interstate 225 to connect the RTD Nine Mile Station with homes and businesses on the north side of Parker Road. The bridge will provide improved regional multi-modal connectivity, enable people to cross safely over Parker Road and improve traffic flow along this major metro-area corridor. Initial federal funding awarded in 2019 has enabled this long-desired project to move forward.

Due to significant construction cost increases and market conditions, the project was put on hold in late 2022 after receiving bids for construction that exceeded the project budget.

Since that time, the city has taken a dual approach to raise additional funding and align the scope of the project to meet the new budget. The final plans for the redesign are nearing completion, and the city is wrapping up construction documents, permitting and the multi-jurisdictional clearances this fall.

Construction is targeted to start this winter 2025. View the new project construction webpage at AuroraGov.org/NineMileBridge for future updates on the construction of the bridge and traffic impacts.

A public hearing took place March 26, 2025, at the city's Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. The commission unanimously approved the project to move forward. A copy of the meeting minutes is available to view.

Integrated Design Enhancements

Aurora’s Art in Public Places Program (AIPP) committed funding to maximize this gateway opportunity to celebrate those qualities and experiences that make Aurora unique. Seattle based designer/infrastructure specialist Vicki Scuri was selected through the city’s community-based selection process managed by AIPP, to create integrated design enhancements for the bridge. Through a community engagement process in 2021, Vicki gathered information about the values and interests of Aurora’s residents, and particularly those who live and work in the areas surrounding this bridge project. Community members provided input into the enhancements and the results integrate the color palette and environment of the prairie with Aurora’s diverse populations represented through several languages. Thank you to all who contributed to that process. The entire bridge project was paused, and when it was reactivated Vicki honored that original contextual design process by integrating the original concepts into the context of the new bridge structure. Any additional updates will be posted on the new project construction webpage at AuroraGov.org/NineMileBridge.

Project Update (as of Aug. 29, 2025)

Due to significant construction cost increases and market conditions, the project was put on hold in late 2022 after receiving bids for construction that exceeded the project budget.

Integrated Design Enhancements

Questions

Consultation has concluded

If you have a question about the project, please post it here.

Share I am writing to respectfully request more frequent and transparent updates regarding the ongoing Nine Mile development project in our community. From the perspective of many residents, progress appears to have stalled. While I understand that the bridge component of the project is moving forward, it is unclear whether other aspects are actively being addressed. In addition, the surrounding area is increasingly showing signs of neglect. Trash accumulation, graffiti on signage, abandoned vehicles, and visible encampments are contributing to an atmosphere that feels run down and, at times, unsafe. This not only impacts day-to-day quality of life but also influences how residents and visitors perceive our neighborhoods. The lack of visible progress and upkeep risks diminishing community pride and confidence in the development. I strongly believe that both the pace of improvements and the level of communication from the city need to increase and expand. Residents deserve clear, regular updates about the project’s status, timeline, and next steps. Just as importantly, immediate efforts to maintain cleanliness and safety in the area would help restore trust and foster a healthier community environment while larger development continues. Thank you for your time, attention, and commitment to our neighborhoods. Looking forward to seeing meaningful progress in the near future. on Facebook Share I am writing to respectfully request more frequent and transparent updates regarding the ongoing Nine Mile development project in our community. From the perspective of many residents, progress appears to have stalled. While I understand that the bridge component of the project is moving forward, it is unclear whether other aspects are actively being addressed. In addition, the surrounding area is increasingly showing signs of neglect. Trash accumulation, graffiti on signage, abandoned vehicles, and visible encampments are contributing to an atmosphere that feels run down and, at times, unsafe. This not only impacts day-to-day quality of life but also influences how residents and visitors perceive our neighborhoods. The lack of visible progress and upkeep risks diminishing community pride and confidence in the development. I strongly believe that both the pace of improvements and the level of communication from the city need to increase and expand. Residents deserve clear, regular updates about the project’s status, timeline, and next steps. Just as importantly, immediate efforts to maintain cleanliness and safety in the area would help restore trust and foster a healthier community environment while larger development continues. Thank you for your time, attention, and commitment to our neighborhoods. Looking forward to seeing meaningful progress in the near future. on Twitter Share I am writing to respectfully request more frequent and transparent updates regarding the ongoing Nine Mile development project in our community. From the perspective of many residents, progress appears to have stalled. While I understand that the bridge component of the project is moving forward, it is unclear whether other aspects are actively being addressed. In addition, the surrounding area is increasingly showing signs of neglect. Trash accumulation, graffiti on signage, abandoned vehicles, and visible encampments are contributing to an atmosphere that feels run down and, at times, unsafe. This not only impacts day-to-day quality of life but also influences how residents and visitors perceive our neighborhoods. The lack of visible progress and upkeep risks diminishing community pride and confidence in the development. I strongly believe that both the pace of improvements and the level of communication from the city need to increase and expand. Residents deserve clear, regular updates about the project’s status, timeline, and next steps. Just as importantly, immediate efforts to maintain cleanliness and safety in the area would help restore trust and foster a healthier community environment while larger development continues. Thank you for your time, attention, and commitment to our neighborhoods. Looking forward to seeing meaningful progress in the near future. on Linkedin Email I am writing to respectfully request more frequent and transparent updates regarding the ongoing Nine Mile development project in our community. From the perspective of many residents, progress appears to have stalled. While I understand that the bridge component of the project is moving forward, it is unclear whether other aspects are actively being addressed. In addition, the surrounding area is increasingly showing signs of neglect. Trash accumulation, graffiti on signage, abandoned vehicles, and visible encampments are contributing to an atmosphere that feels run down and, at times, unsafe. This not only impacts day-to-day quality of life but also influences how residents and visitors perceive our neighborhoods. The lack of visible progress and upkeep risks diminishing community pride and confidence in the development. I strongly believe that both the pace of improvements and the level of communication from the city need to increase and expand. Residents deserve clear, regular updates about the project’s status, timeline, and next steps. Just as importantly, immediate efforts to maintain cleanliness and safety in the area would help restore trust and foster a healthier community environment while larger development continues. Thank you for your time, attention, and commitment to our neighborhoods. Looking forward to seeing meaningful progress in the near future. link

I am writing to respectfully request more frequent and transparent updates regarding the ongoing Nine Mile development project in our community. From the perspective of many residents, progress appears to have stalled. While I understand that the bridge component of the project is moving forward, it is unclear whether other aspects are actively being addressed. In addition, the surrounding area is increasingly showing signs of neglect. Trash accumulation, graffiti on signage, abandoned vehicles, and visible encampments are contributing to an atmosphere that feels run down and, at times, unsafe. This not only impacts day-to-day quality of life but also influences how residents and visitors perceive our neighborhoods. The lack of visible progress and upkeep risks diminishing community pride and confidence in the development. I strongly believe that both the pace of improvements and the level of communication from the city need to increase and expand. Residents deserve clear, regular updates about the project’s status, timeline, and next steps. Just as importantly, immediate efforts to maintain cleanliness and safety in the area would help restore trust and foster a healthier community environment while larger development continues. Thank you for your time, attention, and commitment to our neighborhoods. Looking forward to seeing meaningful progress in the near future.

ES asked 17 days ago

Thank you for reaching out. The bridge project, which is an important next step in the ongoing redevelopment work happening in this area, is continuing to progress. The final design is nearly complete. The project team is working on construction documents, permitting, and gathering multi-jurisdictional clearances, including from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the Federal Highway Administration, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and multiple city departments. We experienced a small delay this summer as we identified additional underground utilities that required further investigation and the development of relocation plans. We are continuing to negotiate final infrastructure agreements with RTD, CDOT and the Point Metro District, and these are nearly complete.
For awareness, there are several property owners near the future Nine Mile pedestrian bridge site, including the city of Aurora, RTD, CDOT and private redevelopment work in partnership with the Aurora Urban Renewal Authority. Thanks for taking the time to share your concerns over some issues that you have observed. We will continue to monitor conditions and coordinate with property owners to address issues as they arise.
In the future, if you see specific action that needs to be taken, please take a photo of the issue that you observe and submit it, along with the specific location (physical address is ideal), to Access Aurora at AuroraGov.org/AccessAurora (or download the Access Aurora app to your phone). This will generate a ticket that will be routed to the appropriate city department, if appropriate, or enable staff to follow up with the responsible property owner to have the issue addressed.
A construction webpage will be set up on the city's AuroraGov.org website once we get closer to the project start date. In the meantime, we will post any relevant project updates on this webpage.
Share Will there be anything connecting over to Vaughn Way or Dam Road? on Facebook Share Will there be anything connecting over to Vaughn Way or Dam Road? on Twitter Share Will there be anything connecting over to Vaughn Way or Dam Road? on Linkedin Email Will there be anything connecting over to Vaughn Way or Dam Road? link

Will there be anything connecting over to Vaughn Way or Dam Road?

pj.culley@bridgepm.com asked 6 months ago

Thank you for your question. This is the only elevated pedestrian crossing planned at this time.
Share What is the reason the bridge did not attach to the train platform level? We also prefer elevators to ramps. on Facebook Share What is the reason the bridge did not attach to the train platform level? We also prefer elevators to ramps. on Twitter Share What is the reason the bridge did not attach to the train platform level? We also prefer elevators to ramps. on Linkedin Email What is the reason the bridge did not attach to the train platform level? We also prefer elevators to ramps. link

What is the reason the bridge did not attach to the train platform level? We also prefer elevators to ramps.

Janet and Steve asked 6 months ago

Thanks for taking the time to post your question. The bridge is designed to address safety issues for pedestrians crossing Parker Road. To have the bridge connect directly with the train platform would require a much larger and complicated structure for which the budget is not available.
Elevators were removed from the design due to affordability. The ramp and stair landing structures will be bicycle (dismount only for safety) and pedestrian friendly.
Share Why is there no elevator, as is at many other RTD pedistrian bridges? Given the number of elderly in the area due to many 55+ age communities, and assited living facilites N of Parker Rd, the medical facilities in the area, such an omission is really poor. Is this yet again developers in Aurora getting away with a shirk? on Facebook Share Why is there no elevator, as is at many other RTD pedistrian bridges? Given the number of elderly in the area due to many 55+ age communities, and assited living facilites N of Parker Rd, the medical facilities in the area, such an omission is really poor. Is this yet again developers in Aurora getting away with a shirk? on Twitter Share Why is there no elevator, as is at many other RTD pedistrian bridges? Given the number of elderly in the area due to many 55+ age communities, and assited living facilites N of Parker Rd, the medical facilities in the area, such an omission is really poor. Is this yet again developers in Aurora getting away with a shirk? on Linkedin Email Why is there no elevator, as is at many other RTD pedistrian bridges? Given the number of elderly in the area due to many 55+ age communities, and assited living facilites N of Parker Rd, the medical facilities in the area, such an omission is really poor. Is this yet again developers in Aurora getting away with a shirk? link

Why is there no elevator, as is at many other RTD pedistrian bridges? Given the number of elderly in the area due to many 55+ age communities, and assited living facilites N of Parker Rd, the medical facilities in the area, such an omission is really poor. Is this yet again developers in Aurora getting away with a shirk?

Go.Zip.Zap asked 5 months ago

Thank you for reaching out. Elevators were removed from the design due to affordability. The ramp and stair landing structures will be bicycle (dismount only for safety), pedestrian friendly and ADA compliant.
The city of Aurora is building this bridge with federal grant funds through the Denver Regional Council of Governments and American Rescue Plan Act funds, Congressionally Directed Spending funding, city capital improvement funding, Aurora Art in Public Places funding, and contributions from the adjacent The Point at Nine Mile Station development.
Share Is a great idea but When this is built and homeless people start using it as a shelter or youngsters want to hang around and use at as hang out, and how about thieves and smugglers that take advantage of isolate areas will you have security cameras or have bothe side with lock doors that only people with a proper id can can scan and use it in case they do something illegal they have been identified that’s a question with an idea on Facebook Share Is a great idea but When this is built and homeless people start using it as a shelter or youngsters want to hang around and use at as hang out, and how about thieves and smugglers that take advantage of isolate areas will you have security cameras or have bothe side with lock doors that only people with a proper id can can scan and use it in case they do something illegal they have been identified that’s a question with an idea on Twitter Share Is a great idea but When this is built and homeless people start using it as a shelter or youngsters want to hang around and use at as hang out, and how about thieves and smugglers that take advantage of isolate areas will you have security cameras or have bothe side with lock doors that only people with a proper id can can scan and use it in case they do something illegal they have been identified that’s a question with an idea on Linkedin Email Is a great idea but When this is built and homeless people start using it as a shelter or youngsters want to hang around and use at as hang out, and how about thieves and smugglers that take advantage of isolate areas will you have security cameras or have bothe side with lock doors that only people with a proper id can can scan and use it in case they do something illegal they have been identified that’s a question with an idea link

Is a great idea but When this is built and homeless people start using it as a shelter or youngsters want to hang around and use at as hang out, and how about thieves and smugglers that take advantage of isolate areas will you have security cameras or have bothe side with lock doors that only people with a proper id can can scan and use it in case they do something illegal they have been identified that’s a question with an idea

Xbox56 asked 6 months ago

Thank you for reaching out. Because this is a public facility, entry points to the bridge will be accessible with no locking doors or gates. However, security features such as cameras will be integrated throughout the bridge, ramp and stair facilities, and the project team is coordinating with RTD’s security personnel and the Aurora Police Department on additional security measures and protocols they may have to address any safety concerns.