Design Progress for the Mason Trail & Rail Crossing at the Natural Resources Research Center (NRRC)

The purpose of this project is to design a separate pedestrian/bicycle crossing of the existing Mason Corridor trail and the active railroad. This Mason trail and rail crossing will provide more direct and safe access for pedestrians and cyclists traveling between the NRRC and the University Mall/Whole Foods shopping center, as well as to the future MAX Bus Rapid Transit station. This project is funded by a grant from the Colorado Department of Transportation and the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization (NFR MPO).

Many different design alternatives have been considered and a public open house was held last spring to share the project with the community. Based on the public input received and the technical design analysis review, the project team’s recommended design solution is a pedestrian/bicycle overpass over the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad tracks. We have considered various underpass designs as well; however given the topography, ground water levels, major utility corridors, and limited rights-of-way, the most cost-effective and user-friendly design solution is the proposed overpass. The following briefly describes how and why this choice was made.

Next Steps

Input from the October 25, 2007 open house will be considered and incorporated into the final design plan for the Overpass. Design work will be completed and construction will commence in 2009.

Summary of public comments at October 25, 2007 open house

Mason Corridor

Overview Meet MAX Economic Opportunities In The News Environmental Assessment Engineering and Design> Mason Trail & Rail Crossing DesignResources Announcements

Transportation Planning

Current and Recently Completed Projects Safe Routes to School Bicycling Library of Plans and Programs Contact Us