White Rocks Bridge repair coming this fall

With the pockets of spring-like weather this winter, hikers, runners, and cyclists have been flocking to local trails. Outdoor enthusiasts who frequent Gunbarrel’s White Rocks Trail will notice the bridge that connects the trail between Valmont Road and Phillips Road is still closed. Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) does, however, have plans to reopen the bridge in 2017.

“We have it on our project list and hope to complete it by the end of the year,” said Phillip Yates, spokesperson for OSMP.

The bridge was closed in June of 2015 after heavy spring rainfall led to flooding conditions in Boulder Creek and nearby ponds which caused the bridge to become disconnected from its abutment on the east side. Currently, signs posted on both sides of the structure warn visitors not to cross.

The bridge project, which is scheduled to begin during the third quarter of 2017, will include repair and fortification to the east abutment as well as grading and minor repair to the landscaping. Yates hopes to see the bridge open by next winter, but warns that completion timelines can be extended due to the weather.

Bridge repair has been delayed for the last two years because of the backlog of projects from the September 2013 floods. “Since the floods, we’ve completed more that 110 projects including trail projects, agricultural projects, ecological projects and projects to restore water delivery infrastructure like ditches,” Yates explained. Volunteers have worked with the city on many of these projects, including damage sustained by the White Rocks Trail during the 2013 floods.

Said Yates, “We certainly appreciate the patience of the public as we work to repair the bridge.”