North Meadows Extension

RS&H served as the prime consultant for the North Meadows extension, a new roadway connection from The Meadows to US 85 and I-25. The project included approximately 2 miles of virgin four-lane arterial roadway; two new interchanges with five bridges at BNSF and UP railroads, Plum Creek, US 85, and I-25; and installation of major storm sewer, utilities, and water quality facilities.

The design included a trumpet interchange and two-lane roundabout at I-25, as well as an elevated single point urban interchange (SPUI) at US 85. RS&H designed a unique and efficient “whiskey-barrel” layout for the SPUI bridge that eliminated girder lines and deck area.
The substantial topography required that the new arterial and associated drainage facilities drop over 200 feet in elevation. RS&H applied context-sensitive solution design principles to blend the new roadway through the area of steep grades and scenic viewsheds.

Other unique challenges included design of a multi-span bridge over Plum Creek with consideration for areas of environmentally protected biological species, such as the Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse. In addition, the presence of soft soils in retaining wall locations and shallow bedrock required large rock excavation areas.