Rain likely to delay start of 8-week bridge maintenance project at Union Boulevard/Cottonwood Creek in Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- A 46-year-old bridge near a popular recreational trail is about to receive maintenance work that is scheduled to continue through mid-December.

Officially, the project on Union Boulevard over Cottonwood Creek -- between Woodland Hills Drive and Deliverance Drive -- was to begin on Wednesday, but rain could delay the start until later in the week or early next week.

Bridge repair work is rarely convenient for drivers, but the bridge carries six lanes of traffic, and crews need to perform routine bridge maintenance and repair and improve nearby fencing.

Drivers can expect temporary lane closures as crews will close one outside lane at a time while doing the work.

Officials ask drivers to slow down, watch for crews and equipment, and allow extra travel time; construction schedules depend on weather and may change.

The bridge is also near the Cottonwood Creek Trail, and officials said there may be brief closures or delays there during the project.

Flaggers will help guide trail users through the area when needed.

A common concern expressed to KRDO 13's The Road Warrior while visiting the area on Tuesday was that Union cuts through the trail -- leaving users to cross the Woodland Hills intersection, or jaywalk over the center median, to reach the opposite side.

"I wish they would build a tunnel or an underpass for the trail," said cyclist Lisa Craig. "It's not safe as it is."

Trail users explained that the Woodland Hills intersection on the north end of the bridge has constant daytime traffic to and from nearby apartment complexes, as well as the normally heavy through traffic on Union.

"It's kinda problematic trying to get across on your bike," said cyclist John Graaff. "Drivers are speeding or running red lights. The bridge is at the bottom of two hills."

The bridge maintenance will cost nearly $280,000.

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