AURORA | It’s a big lift, but city officials say they’re up to it next week.
A giant crane will lift one of Aurora’s new Colfax Bus Rapid Transit station arches into place Monday night as the city touts a milestone in the yearslong project.
The Havana Street Arch Lift Watch Party is slated for 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Pollo Picante, 10498 E. Colfax Ave., with the arch lift set for 8 p.m.
The event will feature free food — while it lasts — outdoor games, a performance by Aurora-based Somos Dance Studio and activities highlighting small businesses along the corridor.
Mayor Mike Coffman and Councilmember Gianina Horton are scheduled to talk about the milestone and the project.
The Havana Street Station will receive two of the unique and “distinctive” arches being installed as part of the East Colfax BRT project. The arches in Aurora will bring the total installed along the project to 30, according project officials.
The final arches are scheduled to be installed Oct. 5 at Uinta Street in Denver.
The East Colfax BRT project runs 9.9 miles from Denver’s Civic Center Station to the Regional Transportation District’s R Line station at Interstate 225 in Aurora.
The corridor currently carries nearly 20,000 travelers a day, according to the project.
The upgraded stations will feature elevated platforms designed to make boarding faster and more accessible. They also will include improved lighting, security cameras and canopies to let riders stay out of the sun and rain.
Artwork by local artists will be also be incorporated into the canopies.
The project calls for dedicated center-running bus lanes on Colfax in Denver and side-running lanes in mixed traffic on Colfax in Aurora.
BRT officials say the improvements will reduce transit travel time along the corridor by up to 30 minutes.
Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
Small businesses along East Colfax are also being incorporated into the project’s community outreach. The project team has partnered with the Aurora-South Metro Small Business Development Center to distribute information, maintain communication with business owners and hold regular “Chats on Colfax” meetings, city spokesperson Julie Patterson said in a statement.
Anyone attending the Monday fete can register for the Fax Pass passport or other prizes.
Complimentary shootings will be provided
Only joking of course, should have included that on the end of the joke probably
Where’s the 9 mile elevated crossing bridge?
Does anyone commute anymore?