Denver residents will soon have a dedicated walking route between the Regional Transportation District’s I‑25 & Broadway station and the future Summit FC stadium. The city council voted on Monday to allocate $5.3 million for the project, with $4 million coming from a state transit‑oriented grant and $1.3 million from the city’s own budget.
Council backs a safer, transit‑focused community
Councilmember Flor Alvidrez described the bridge as essential for turning the Santa Fe Yards development into a true transit‑oriented community. The bridge will span the rail corridor that currently separates the station from the stadium site on Santa Fe Drive, giving pedestrians and cyclists a direct, protected path.
Alvidrez recalled a personal tragedy that underscored the need for safer crossings: “One of the first traffic deaths I experienced as an elected official was right here, as a bicyclist tried to cross Santa Fe and Mississippi. That loss has stayed with me, and it’s something I think about often.” She added that the bridge will also improve access to grocery stores, housing, businesses, parks, and the South Platte River Trail for residents of District 7.
Project timeline and costs
The city expects to finish the bridge’s design phase next year and begin construction shortly thereafter, with completion projected for 2029 or 2030. Initial cost estimates range from $20 million to $23 million, a figure that will be refined during the design stage. City finance spokesperson Laura Swartz said the municipality will continue to pursue additional state and federal infrastructure grants as the project moves forward.
Summit FC announced in March that it has secured the land at Santa Fe Yards, clearing the way for a permanent stadium and a 14‑acre redevelopment plan. While the team originally hoped to move into the stadium in 2028, the Denver Business Journal reports that the stadium itself may not be finished until 2029.
Related improvements around the stadium
In addition to the pedestrian bridge, the city has earmarked $20 million for surrounding infrastructure upgrades, including the construction of Vanderbilt Park East and the relocation of utilities this fall. An additional $50 million has been set aside for broader costs at the stadium site.
Alvidrez emphasized the broader impact of the bridge: “It will connect the Broadway Station directly to the stadium, housing, businesses, parks, and the South Platte River Trail—very important assets for District 7.” The project reflects Denver’s ongoing commitment to safe, walkable neighborhoods that reduce reliance on cars and support family‑friendly, community‑centered development.
Original reporting: Denverite — read the source article.
