Denver seeks land rights for Smith-Sandown bridge project over Quebec Street
A June 30 ordinance would let Denver acquire easements and other property interests for the project, including by condemnation if negotiations fail.
Denver is asking the City Council to authorize property acquisition for the Smith and Sandown over Quebec bridge project, a step that would let the city negotiate for needed land rights or, if talks fail, use condemnation.
The request covers fee title, easements, access rights, improvements, buildings, fixtures, licenses and permits needed for the project at Smith Road and Sandown Road over North Quebec Street, according to bill 26-0925.
The public record available for this assignment does not identify the specific parcels or owners affected. It also does not show that condemnation is expected; the ordinance would give Denver that option if a negotiated purchase cannot be reached.
The ordinance had already cleared the Finance and Business Committee on June 23, according to the Legistar record, indicating the project has moved into right-of-way work.
Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure materials show the project has been in development for several years. A DOTI project page says work on an improved design began in early 2022, and a July 2022 presentation said about 600 feet of Quebec Street would be rebuilt and lowered to improve sight distance and safety.
DOTI's bridge page says the Quebec Street bridge over Airlawn Road was built in 1961 and rehabilitated in 2012, and that it ranked among the city's poorest-quality bridges.