Congresswoman Lauren Boebert Supports Glenwood Springs’ South Bridge Project
Congresswoman Lauren Boebert advocated for the safety of the people in Glenwood Springs by sending a letter in strong support of the South Bridge Project.
Congresswoman Lauren Boebert stated, “The Glenwood Springs’ South Bridge Project has strong local support including $24 million in local matching dollars. This project is critical to provide a secondary evacuation route in the event of a wildfire, coal seam fire, or other natural disaster threatening Glenwood Springs. This worthwhile project will also help reduce congestion along the I-70 corridor. I am grateful to local officials for working with me on this issue in a bipartisan manner, and I look forward to seeing the South Bridge Project completed.”
Background:
Congresswoman Boebert has worked closely with local officials on the South Bridge project. In September 2021, Congresswoman Boebert met with Glenwood Springs Mayor Jonathan Godes to discuss her support of infrastructure projects to improve the I-70 corridor. In May, Congresswoman Boebert hosted Glenwood Springs Mayor Jonathan Godes, City Council Member Ingrid Wussow, City Attorney Karl Hanlon, and City Manager Debra Figueroa for a bipartisan meeting in her D.C. office to discuss the South Bridge Project. Additionally, Congresswoman Boebert discussed her I-70 Detour Act to direct the Department of Transportation to study improvements to alternate routes and mitigate the impacts of extended I-70 closures.
Currently, the only paved access route to Glenwood Springs’ South Corridor is via Four Mile Road, Midland Avenue and 27th Street Bridge, which are vulnerable to closure during natural and man-made disasters. A second bridge is necessary to ensure safe travel and access for emergency vehicles. Evacuation modeling for the City of Glenwood Springs indicates that in the event of a catastrophic wildfire, the South Bridge would save countless lives that would otherwise be lost due to a backup of vehicles evacuating over Midland Avenue to the 27th Street Bridge.
With Rural Surface Transportation grant funds, Glenwood Springs will be able to construct a new bridge connection that will provide a critical second emergency route/evacuation access between State Highway 82 and the western side of the Roaring Fork River in the City’s South Corridor. The Glenwood Spring’s South Bridge Program aligns with the Rural Surface Transportation’s program to improve connectivity, enhance the safety of all travelers, generate economic growth, and improve the quality of life for residents of the Lower Colorado River Valley and the Roaring Fork Valley.
The full text of Congresswoman Boebert’s letter of support is available here.