Wheat Ridge pursues $500,000 plan to restore Oak-Twilight crossing

Wheat Ridge is pursuing an estimated $500,000 project to restore the pedestrian crossing near Oak Street and Twilight Drive, where the existing bridge was closed. The city has identified budget funding and is seeking a Jefferson County Open Space grant to help pay for the work.

The city manager told the City Council on Oct. 26 that public works had received three engineering quotes for options that include replacing the bridge or piping the ditch and building a path over it. The ditch company favors the piped-ditch option and is willing to allow a crossing under a license agreement, the manager said. Wheat Ridge is willing to apply for the license and take responsibility for owning and maintaining the crossing, but the agreement is not final. The manager estimated the project would cost about $500,000, without a final bid. The council received a status update and did not vote on the project. The city manager’s update is available online.

Wheat Ridge has found money in its budget for the project, the manager said. Lakewood has provided a letter of support but has no project funding available. If awarded, the county grant could cover 25% of the estimated cost.

The crossing served as a neighborhood walking route. CBS Colorado reported that residents used it to reach school, friends’ homes and neighborhood activities. Students and parents told the outlet that alternative routes involve busier roads, including one without a sidewalk or bike lane, and that they felt the bridge was safer. The city manager said the bridge was closed at the ditch company’s request as a safety precaution.

The city hopes to complete some work before the ditch’s irrigation season, which typically begins in April 2027, the manager said. Work in the ditch is not allowed while water is flowing, and the schedule remains uncertain.