Governor Jared Polis has officially dropped plans to build a $28.5 million pedestrian bridge on the Colorado Capitol grounds after more than 82,000 people strongly opposed the project in a public survey.
The decision came Tuesday, following the release of survey results showing nearly 94% of the 87,686 respondents rejected the proposal. Only 3,330 people supported moving forward with the bridge, which would have connected the Capitol to Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park over Lincoln Street.
“Coloradans were clear, and I will stop the pedestrian walkway in its tracks,” Polis said in a statement, acknowledging the overwhelming opposition.
The pedestrian walkway was pitched as a highlight of Colorado’s 150th anniversary celebration in 2026. The state had already spent about $1.5 million on the bridge’s design before pulling the plug. The full project was expected to cost $28.5 million—$20 million for the bridge itself and $8.5 million for related site work—with a proposed funding mix of public money and private donations.
But even before the public survey, the project faced mounting criticism. A six-member Capital Development Committee, made up of lawmakers from both parties, strongly opposed the idea.
“It’s clear what the people of Colorado want us to focus on, and there’s no doubt they want us to focus on things that affect their everyday lives: affordability, good schools, good roads, and public safety,” said Sen. Kyle Mullica, a Democrat from Thornton. “I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a poll that clear. Ninety-three, 94%. That’s just bananas.”
The plan’s collapse comes amid serious budget concerns. Colorado is grappling with a $1.2 billion cut to planned spending this year and bracing for another $700 million in reductions next year. Critics argued the bridge was out of step with the state’s financial reality.
Rep. Tammy Story, chair of the Capital Development Committee, welcomed Polis’ decision, saying, “Now, I hope we can come together, as a state, to focus on prioritizing the needs of everyday Coloradans in the face of unprecedented cuts to our vital safety net programs.”
Sen. Byron Pelton, a Republican on the committee, called the proposal “completely out of touch,” adding, “We have a lot of other things to worry about with our budget—and not a special pet project of the governor.”
Even Sen. Matt Ball, a Denver Democrat representing the district that includes the Capitol, applauded Polis for backing off. Ball had voted against the plan in June and said, “I had yet to hear from someone who was in support. It was all opposition.”
With the project shelved, Polis’ office said it will continue working with the community on ways to celebrate Colorado’s 150th anniversary and the United States’ 250th birthday next year.
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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