COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Students at Howbert Elementary School and residents of the surrounding Pleasant Valley neighborhood now have a safer and more reliable way to cross 31st Street. The City of Colorado Springs has completed the construction of a brand-new pedestrian bridge, addressing safety concerns that arose after the original bridge was struck and damaged by a vehicle in 2024.

The new structure, which opened this week, sits about 40 feet north of the original site. Unlike its predecessor, the replacement bridge has been widened to six feet to allow more space for pedestrians, strollers, and bikes. Importantly, the design is fully ADA-accessible, making it easier for residents with mobility challenges to cross between the north and south lanes of 31st Street, which are divided by the Camp Creek water drainage ditch.

A Safer Route for Students

The upgrade comes as welcome news for parents, teachers, and children at Howbert Elementary, where many families walk to and from school. Previously, the closure of the damaged bridge forced students to take longer detours or cross busier intersections, raising safety concerns.

“Safety for children walking to school has always been a top priority for the city,” officials said in a project statement. “Replacing the 31st Street pedestrian bridge ensures families once again have a safe, direct route right outside Howbert Elementary.”

A Broader Neighborhood Improvement

Beyond helping students, the new bridge is a benefit to the wider Pleasant Valley community. The area is a popular walking corridor, connecting homes, parks, and trails. By restoring this pedestrian link, the city not only improved accessibility but also reinforced its commitment to walkable, connected neighborhoods.

The project is part of a series of ongoing infrastructure efforts across Colorado Springs to upgrade outdated or damaged crossings and bring them up to modern safety and accessibility standards.

Looking Ahead

With the new bridge in place, attention now turns to maintaining and monitoring its use. Officials expect that the wider deck and ADA features will encourage more pedestrian traffic, especially from families who previously avoided the damaged bridge.

The City of Colorado Springs has not disclosed the total project cost but emphasized that investing in safe school routes reduces risks for children, encourages healthier habits, and strengthens community trust in city services.

Originally reported by Aidan Hulting in KOAA News, Southern Colorado.