Home / Business and Economy / Denver Bridges Crumbling as City Prioritizes Viaducts Near Broncos Site
Denver Bridges Crumbling as City Prioritizes Viaducts Near Broncos Site
3 Aug
Summary
- Over 50 Denver bridges in worse condition than proposed $140M projects
- Repairs near potential Broncos stadium site raise concerns of favoritism
- City officials insist bridge projects are necessary infrastructure upgrades
As of August 4th, 2025, Denver is grappling with the deteriorating state of its bridges, with over 50 in worse condition than two viaducts chosen for significant investment under the city's proposed $950 million bond package. The two projects, totaling $140 million, are located near a potential site for a new Broncos stadium, raising concerns that the repairs may primarily benefit the wealthy NFL team's owners.
City officials have insisted that the bridge projects are necessary infrastructure upgrades unrelated to the Broncos' plans. However, some community members have suggested the repairs would crowd out other deserving projects. The Eighth Avenue viaduct, which is slated to receive $89 million, was previously considered for the 2017 Elevate Denver bond package but was pared down to include only minimal repairs.
The debate over the bridge projects has dominated recent conversations about the bond proposal, which would allow the city to sell bonds to pay for a range of capital projects. While the package passed a key hurdle last week, council members still have an opportunity to make changes before the final vote on August 25th.
The bond proposal, if approved by voters in November, would not raise taxes, as it would replace existing debt the city is currently paying off. However, if the proposal is rejected, taxes could go towards paying down prior bonds faster.
