The City of Colorado Springs is replacing the aging Water Street bridge over Camp Creek at North 31st Street to improve safety, drainage capacity, and reliability for the Pleasant Valley neighborhood. HR Green is providing construction management and inspection services for the approximately $5 million project.
Built in 1955, the existing bridge has exceeded its anticipated service life and exhibits several structural deficiencies. The crossing serves motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists, provides access to nearby Howbert Elementary School, and supports emergency response in an area with limited alternate routes. Its replacement will preserve this critical neighborhood connection while improving accessibility and stormwater conveyance.
The project includes removing the existing dual-arch metal culverts at the Water Street and 31st Street intersection, installing a new aluminum box culvert, and reconstructing the roadway. Additional improvements include upgrades to four large-diameter waterlines, channel enhancements, new guardrail, curb and gutter installation, and hot-mix asphalt paving. The HR Green team is working closely with utility providers to relocate infrastructure and protect existing facilities throughout the project area.
HR Green’s responsibilities include construction inspection, daily traffic and erosion control reviews, oversight of materials testing services, and management of associated project budgets. The team also maintains project documentation and provides engineering support to help resolve field issues during construction.
Close coordination among HR Green, the City, the contractor, utility providers, and other stakeholders is helping the team manage utility conflicts while maintaining neighborhood access. The project team is paying particular attention to utility conflicts due to the number and size of waterlines and other infrastructure located near the crossing.
The new aluminum box culvert will provide a larger opening for Camp Creek, increasing hydraulic capacity and reducing the potential for flooding near the crossing. While no system can eliminate all flood risks during major storm events, the improvements will strengthen the area’s drainage infrastructure and improve performance during future storm events.
Once complete, the reconstructed crossing will provide a safer, more reliable connection for residents, students, pedestrians, bicyclists, and emergency responders. The larger culvert opening will also better protect nearby utilities and improve performance during heavy rainfall.
The City received approximately $1.3 million through a Colorado Department of Transportation grant, with the remaining funding provided by the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority.
