Capital Improvement Projects / 3 local construction update (Q&A)
4th Avenue Pedestrian Bridge and Trail
The Safe Route to School 4th Ave Pedestrian Bridge and Trail has begun mobilization and construction . The area near the St Vrain and Park St, Evans and 4th Ave will have the most work in the coming months as the work progresses in the river to install the bridge abutments. Construction of a new sidewalk and ADA ramps on the west side of 4th Ave. from Evans St. to Railroad Ave. has begun. The bridge was fabricated in Wisconsin and transported to Lyons. The project is funded with $1M in Federal/State Funds to date.
What’s happening 3/28 – 4/2
Construct new sidewalk on 4th Ave between High St and Main St
Constructing riverbank protection for the new pedestrian bridge
What’s happening 4/4 – 4/9
Constructing riverbank protection for the new pedestrian bridge
Constructing new ADA ramps along the west side of 4th Ave. at Broadway and Main
Drilling of caissons for the new pedestrian bridge
What’s happening 4/11 – 4/16
Forming of the new pedestrian bridge abutments and footings
Bolt bridge together*
What’s happening 4/27/22
This week, the contractor will be working on constructing the crusher fine trail on the south side of the stream and asphalt patch backs where sidewalks have been improved. In the coming month the contractor will be working on constructing the bridge abutments and preparing for the bridge placement.
Traffic Impacts/ CLOSURES –
Work continues on 4th Ave between Broadway and Evans to complete the new sidewalk be aware of closures and flagging operations! == The ”Curve” at Evans and 4th Avenue northside of the river is closed for the remainder of the project. Periodic shoulder closures and lane closure will be occurring during work hours to complete sections of work along 4th Ave. == 4th Ave (south of the river) between Evans and the Alley will remain closed to local traffic only for the remainder of the project. Please adhere to any flagging operations and detour signage. Construction equipment will continue to access the ongoing work along 4th Ave to transport materials.
What’s happening May 2022
There will be minimal construction activity for most of May and into June as we wait for scheduling of specialty subcontractor work and material supply shortages. Please continue to stay out of the barricaded work areas as there are still potential hazards in those areas.
Safety concerns – As with any construction project, there are safety concerns with equipment and trucks working, please give them space to work and do not impede their workspace for your safety. As much as possible, please adhere to the traffic control devices signs, closures and detours. DO NOT WALK Thru the WORK ZONES.
Questions about bridge
* The Lyons Recorder asked if the “bolting” that is listed on the project’s page took place. The Town representative replied: No, the bridge has not been bolted together, that will be done right before the bridge is ready to be placed on the abutments.
The Lyons Recorder asked: there are rumors around town that == the bridge was manufactured too short == then had to be moved == people said they saw the placement moved because of this == that the pylons were moved == the caissons failed == Can you state the facts of the matter:
The Town representative replied: This is incorrect.
When the contractor laid out the locations of the caissons there was a conflict with the existing retaining wall on the south bank. It was determined that the bridge could be shifted 3 feet to the south to avoid the retaining wall, with minimal to no impacts to the bridge being able to span the stream and landing in the same location on the north bank. The contractor did pour the two caissons in the new location. Once the caissons were poured they were tested to ensure they met specifications per the plans. One of the caissons did fail the test, due an unknown void in the concrete. The failed caisson was not necessarily due to faulty construction, working with the elements can bring unforeseen challenges. The team (engineers, Town staff and contractor) are looking at options for the failed caisson, once a solution is determined it will be implemented at the cost of the contactor, not the project. (5/6/22)
Black Bear Hole / 2nd Ave Trailhead Improvements
Black Bear Hole and 2nd Ave Trailhead Improvements have also fenced off the area and begun work to improve access and parking and a public restroom facility. This project is funded with $282K from lottery dollars through Great Outdoors Colorado. The project will require the closing of the pedestrian bridge in order to replace the boards of the bridge. As the date gets closer, the Town will update the community via email.
Questions about progress
The Lyons Recorder asked about the crew working under the bridge, and if it was embankment work? The Town representative replied: Yes, the work at Black Bear Hole will include bank stabilization work just upstream/west of the ped bridge. As well as replacing the ped bridge planks, adding irrigation and landscaping and making parking lot improvements. This project also includes improvements to the 2nd Ave parking lot as well as adding a restroom, irrigation and landscaping.
Longmont Water Pump Station Project
Longmont Water Pump Station Project began in April. Railroad Ave between 2nd and 3rd will be closed for the next 2 to 3 months. The parking lot will also be closed for this project estimated to run through mid July. They will be excavating a 100’ by 50’ by 20’ deep hole for their pump station and Railroad Ave. will be closed for much of the time that this project is going on.
Questions about location
The Lyons Recorder asked if all that equipment stored on the triangle property across from the fire station (and extending down Railroad Avenue to 3rd Street) was part of the Water Pump project, and exactly where the pump would be situation. The Town representative said: Yes the pump station is being constructed under the triangle parking lot and all the equipment and materials that are on site are for that project. And (work at the 3rd Street intersection) is related to this pump station project.
