SH 82/Grand Avenue Bridge Finding of No Significant Impact has been finalized

June 2, 2015 - Northwestern Colorado/CDOT Region 3 - GARFIELD COUNTY/GLENWOOD SPRINGS – The SH 82/Grand Avenue Bridge Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Environmental Assessment (EA) has been finalized.

The FONSI is the decision document for the EA, and concludes the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. FHWA has determined that the Build Alternative will have no significant impact on the human environment and that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not required.

The FONSI describes the urban design and aesthetic treatments that have been developed with stakeholders and included in the Build Alternative, and identifies the mitigation measures that will be included in the Build Alternative. It clarifies and updates the EA and the Section 106 consultation conducted for the project under the National Historic Preservation Act. The FONSI also provides responses to questions and comments submitted by agencies and the public during the 60-day public comment and review period for the EA.

The FONSI document and appendices will be available for viewing on the project website at www.coloradodot.info/projects/sh82grandavenuebridge, and printed copies will be available for viewing at the CDOT office, Glenwood Springs City Hall and the Glenwood Springs public library.

“CDOT looks forward to continued coordination with stakeholders as we work to refine the urban design elements and aesthetic treatments during final design of the project,” said Joe Elsen, CDOT Program Engineer. CDOT will also continue to inform the public and agencies of project progress.  CDOT will be working with local and regional organizations and employers to promote a public information campaign prior to and during the construction phase to inform the public about construction detours, transit alternatives, estimated travel time delays during the bridge demolition/closure phase, and general schedule updates.  Construction is planned to begin in early 2016, and is anticipated to last approximately 24 to 30 months, including an approximately 90-day full bridge closure during the last nine months.