Aurora Council Approves IGA for E-470 Bridge Expansion and Highway Maintenance

In the heart of Aurora City Hall, council members gathered to discuss vital transportation projects that promise to reshape the infrastructure of the region. The meeting, held on August 21, 2025, focused on several key initiatives, including the expansion of the Gartrell Bridge over E-470 and maintenance agreements with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).

Kathy Valencia, the Transportation Project Delivery Manager, presented the ambitious plan to expand the existing two-lane Gartrell Bridge to a five-lane structure. This project, which includes multimodal improvements and new traffic signals, is set to begin construction this winter, following the completion of design work in the fall. The funding for this project will be shared, with E-470 covering 20% of the costs and the City of Aurora responsible for the remaining 80%. Valencia emphasized the strong partnership with E-470, highlighting their collaborative efforts throughout the project.

Council members raised important questions regarding the financial implications for local homeowners. Deputy Director Cindy Kolib clarified that the South Aurora Regional Improvement Authority (SARIA) was established to fund such projects through contributions from local homeowners' associations. This funding mechanism aims to ensure that residents are aware of their financial commitments to infrastructure improvements in their neighborhoods.

The meeting also addressed a renewal of an intergovernmental agreement with CDOT for maintenance services on several state highways, including State Highway 30 and State Highway 40. Deputy Director Curt Yollner explained that while the city would handle basic maintenance tasks such as patching and trash removal, major rehabilitation work would remain outside the scope of this agreement. The renewed contract includes a 5% annual fee increase, ensuring that the city receives adequate funding for its maintenance efforts.

As the discussions progressed, the committee unanimously approved moving these resolutions forward to the next study session, signaling a commitment to enhancing Aurora's transportation infrastructure. The meeting concluded with a sense of optimism about the future of the city’s roads and bridges, as well as the ongoing collaboration between local government and state agencies to meet the community's needs.