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Downtown Partnership Concerned Over Glenwood Springs Bridge Project

by KREX News Room
by Jordan Sherman

Story Created: Sep 12, 2012 at 5:50 PM MDT

Story Updated: Sep 12, 2012 at 6:54 PM MDT

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo.- The Glenwood Springs Downtown Partnership is concerned about the new Grand Avenue bridge the Colorado Department of Transportation plans on building.

Although the initial selection of bridge location is favored by most, concerns about the specifications of the bridge have the downtown partnership taking proactive measures.

"What we've encouraged city council to do is bring in a professional to review the economic impact on this kind of a project and look at the various configurations, alternatives and possibilities, then come back with a recommendation for the one that would have the most positive economic impact," said Tom Flemming, program manager for the Glenwood Springs Partnership.

CDOT plans on performing its own environmental impact, but Flemming and the partnership say they don't want to take any chances.

Flemming says he has read numerous case studies showing bridges can be potentially devastating to a town's downtown economy.

"The wider and the higher, the more negative the impact. It can actually destroy neighboring properties and neighborhoods surrounding the road project," said Flemming.

CDOT officials will hold an open house to provide ideas and feedback about the bridge's size, type and how it might look.

They will also discuss the environmental assessment.

The meeting will be held in November, but the time and place haven't been announced yet.

To sign up to receive updates from CDOT about the project, click here.

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