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Crews are working hard to complete the reconstruction of three bridges in North Cheyenne Cañon this summer. Two of the three girders have been placed and the third is scheduled to be placed in April. The canyon has presented challenging conditions, including a very narrow work space.

The new bridges will be wider, stronger and safer, but the goal is for them to appear as if nothing has changed. To accomplish this, crews are salvaging as much of the original stone work as possible to reuse on the new structures to keep that historical element and context.

Construction began in September 2021 and is expected to be complete in summer 2022, weather and construction dependent. 

How to access the park

Throughout construction, North Cheyenne Canyon Road is closed to all users, including vehicles, bicyclists and hikers. Park trails will remain open to the public. Road access is being provided to residents who live in the canyon as construction activity allows.

The road closure extends from the park entrance at the Starsmore Visitor & Nature Center to the newly resurfaced Powell Lot, above Helen Hunt Falls. The parking lot at Helen Hunt Falls is closed during this time. Those seeking access to Helen Hunt Falls from Gold Camp Road should park in the newly resurfaced Powell Lot.

About North Cheyenne Cañon

North Cheyenne Cañon is a cherished property has been part of the parks system since 1885 when voters went to the polls and voted for the purchase of about 640 acres for $5,000, making it the very first park purchase approved by the citizens of Colorado Springs.

The original bridges in the canyon had old railroad rails and an arch culvert and were built in the early 1900s.  Crews are salvaging as much of the original stone work as possible to reuse on the new structures to keep that historical element and context.

Project funding

The $4 million project is funded by the city, grants and the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA).

Detailed project information can be found at ColoradoSprings.gov/NCCBridgeReplacement.

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