2004 promises more major milestones for the $1.72-billion Transportation Expansion Project known as “T-REX” in metropolitan Denver, CO.

Now about 55 percent complete, the design-build project is about to shift to demolition on two major bridges, including the east portion of the Colorado Boulevard Bridge beginning the night of Jan. 11, followed by the Hampden Avenue Bridge, scheduled for the following week.

The 19-mi. (30.5 km) T-REX transportation corridor project involves highway and expansion improvements including the addition of light rail along I-25 and I-225, reconstruction of interchanges and bridges, a new drainage system and better pedestrian and bicycle access. Construction is slated for completion in 2006.

“This past year was really a turning point in our progress as the grand scope of T-REX became evident,” said T-REX Project Director Larry Warner. “We were able to accomplish some major milestones while continuing to minimize inconvenience to the public, and keeping the project on schedule and within budget.”

The project contractor, Southeast Corridor Constructors is a joint venture of Kiewit Construction Company and Parsons Transportation Group. The partnership used design-build techniques in reconstructing highway I-15 in Salt Lake City, a project of similar size and complexity.

The 2004 portion of T-REX is expected to entail extensive work on the light rail line, among other things.

“With the light rail bridge construction and track work that was done in 2003, the public can now see that light rail transit is a real part of this project,” said Deputy Project Director Larry Warner. “That momentum will pick up speed in 2004 as we see more track being laid, and more light rail stations and canopies going up.”

In addition, retaining wall and sound wall construction will continue.

T-REX is a collaboration among the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Regional Transportation District, the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration.

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