Central 70 Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain

Photo Credit: 360 Media, Inc.

The Central 70 project reimagines one of Denver’s most critical transportation corridors. Spanning an 11-mile stretch, this project alleviated congestion, improved safety and –– perhaps most notably –– restored connectivity within the Globeville and Elyria-Swansea (GES) neighborhoods. Initially constructed in the 1960s, the aging viaduct and highway had long exceeded their capacity and service life, cutting through communities and limiting growth. The Central 70 project modernizes this vital transportation link and reconnects and revitalizes the surrounding areas.

A cornerstone of this project was replacing the structurally deficient viaduct with a below-grade highway topped by a 4-acre park. This innovative design improves both the corridor’s functionality and aesthetic appeal, providing safe pedestrian crossings and reducing noise and air pollution for residents. The project also featured significant upgrades to Swansea Elementary School, including new classrooms, playgrounds and community gardens, extending the project’s benefits beyond transportation to enhance local quality of life. Throughout the entire construction process, the road remained open to traffic, ensuring minimal disruption to the 200,000 vehicles that use this corridor daily.

Revitalizing Denver’s Lifeline: A Visionary Approach to Urban Transportation

Kiewit’s approach to the Central 70 project was marked by its extensive use of design-build-finance-operate-maintain (DBFOM) principles, which allowed for seamless integration of construction, maintenance and operations over the project’s 30-year lifecycle. The project team implemented advanced construction techniques, such as soil cement mixing and deep soil stabilization, to manage the high water table and ensure the long-term durability of the infrastructure.

Community engagement was a top priority throughout the project, with over 300 public meetings and continuous communication with local stakeholders. This collaborative effort addressed community concerns and integrated local needs into the project’s design and execution.

The Central 70 project stands as a model for future urban infrastructure projects, demonstrating how thoughtful design, innovative construction techniques and strong community partnerships can combine to create lasting benefits for the region and its residents.

Winner – Best in Design – Engineering

Integrating the operational needs of one of Denver’s busiest routes with the community’s desire for revitalization, the Central 70 project is a model of how engineering can solve complex urban infrastructure challenges while transforming a community. The tunnel and raised deck design unified a community long separated by the viaduct. One awards juror noted, “This project unites both sides of the neighborhood seamlessly with community programming and amenities, adding value to a roadway project.” The tunnel system includes safety features like real-time air quality monitoring and fire detection. Complex demolition strategies kept the road open during construction while sustainable practices included reusing materials such as asphalt from the demolished viaduct.

Design-Build Team

Photos