Today we are going to kick off a new series of posts focusing on the infrastructure improvements in Denver’s River North neighborhood (RiNo). As development and transit begins to make its way into a neighborhood dominated by industrial uses, improvements are necessary to the pedestrian environment.
There are a lot of challenges ahead for improving the infrastructure in River North and today, we are going to focus on the first one; how to move pedestrians across freight and commuter rail tracks. There are two pedestrian bridges going up along Blake Street: one on 35th Street and the other on 38th Street.
In this post, we are going to focus on the 35th Street pedestrian bridge. The foundations are up, and the main steel structure for the bridge now spans across the commuter rail and freight tracks.
On the west side of the bridge, the stairs and elevator shaft are still under construction. The 35th Street pedestrian bridge is prominently seen from the 38th and Blake commuter rail station.
As I was on the edge of the freight rail yards, I had to take a photo of the Union Station skyline with this freight train parked right in front of me!
Next up, we will be taking a look at the 38th Street pedestrian bridge. Stay tuned!
Psyched to see the RiNo infrastructure series. I’m hoping you’ll include the planned River North Park as part of the series. The Trust for Public Land did the land acquisition for this project, in partnership with Denver Parks and Recreation. River North Park will be an important contributor to the livability and vitality of the neighborhood. We are happy to share info as needed.
Hi Jim,
We will!
I’m excited for this series too! I can’t wait to have this bridge open in 2 months, it’s going to do so much for connecting the two sides of the neighborhood.
Not sure if this has been discussed elsewhere, but has there been any talk of continuing the 35th Street connection across the Platte River to the other area of redevelopment (primarily Zeppelin)? Seems it would be helpful for that area to be connected to the Brighton corridor via an easy walk as well.
Also, related to the 38th street bridge, has there been any word on what might be developed west of that pedestrian bridge (please not an RTD parking garage)? I know the WTC Denver project is in the area but assumed on the Blake St side…
Appreciate the info, guys!