Proposed Project Design

The proposed project design replaces the existing Peoria Street bridge with one that is 56.5 feet wider to accommodate all travel modes and address congestion caused by the narrow bridge and travel lane constraints at Fitzsimons Parkway (Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard). The current bridge will be replaced and expanded to seven lanes, providing an additional travel lane in each direction, a center left-turn lane, a 10-foot sidewalk on the west side, and a 14-foot shared-use path on the east side.

The proposed project will widen Peoria Street to three lanes in each direction and introduce a triple left-turn lane for southbound traffic at the Fitzsimons Parkway (Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard) intersection. Three lanes in each direction of Peoria Street will extend through the Fitzsimons Parkway (Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard) intersection. A second westbound left turn lane will be added on Fitzsimons Parkway to better accommodate the high demand for access to southbound Peoria Street.

Direct access to the Sand Creek Greenway and Sand Creek Park will be provided from the west side of Peoria Street, creating a new trail connection that enhances safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. A physical barrier will separate the vehicle lanes from the sidewalk and path across the bridge, providing an added measure of safety.

The new bridge will be longer to improve hydraulics and minimize impacts to water surface elevation in Sand Creek. During construction, the bridge will be built in phases to maintain traffic flow. Aurora is exploring aesthetic enhancements to the bridge that will enrich the experience of travelers on Peoria Street and users of the adjacent sidewalks and trails. The project also includes upgrades to utilities such as sanitary sewer, storm drainage, and water.