The building of the $29M Denver pedestrian bridge is now up for an online vote

DENVER, Colo. (KRDO) -- The public has been invited to participate in an online survey on whether or not to build a $29 million proposal for a pedestrian bridge across Lincoln Street from the Colorado State Capitol to Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park in Denver.

The bridge being pitched by the governor's office is in honor of the 150th anniversary of Colorado's entrance into the Union.

"We're really trying to get a statewide discussion going about how, and really if, Coloradans want to celebrate our 150th birthday, which is next year," Governor Jared Polis told KRDO13.

According to the Office of Governor Polis, who is leading the project, the Colorado 150 Pedestrian Walkway is a visionary project connecting the Capitol Complex to Lincoln Veterans Park in Denver.

But Polis told KRDO13 that his office is open to other options or locations. He says that one alternative could be putting several smaller-scale projects across Colorado, rather than the big bridge in Denver.

"The alternative would be, maybe you do something in three or four areas, smaller scale. Do we do something where people can see it in their community," said Polis.

During a conversation with 9News's Kyle Clark, the governor was asked by him if he was "looking for a justification or looking for an escape route” by offering Coloradans a chance to be surveyed on their thoughts.

“Well, I'm hoping it's clear one way or the other,” Polis answered, adding that he hoped the results were definitive. 

Polis’ online survey, available here, includes a video and text explaining why Polis supports the project, as well as a video showcasing why others are opposed to building the bridge, which highlights concerns related to the bridge's appearance and financial aspects.

The survey includes a total of four questions to gauge the public's view on the project and will close on July 21.

Officials say the walkway, if built, will be a structure of public art that weaves into a safe and vibrant pathway into Lincoln Veterans Park. The CO150 website says the walkway aims to be as inclusive as possible, engaging artists from across the state to tell Colorado’s cultural, civic, and industrial history, aiming to showcase Colorado’s past while looking toward the future.

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