Construction is underway on a significant expansion of the Rock Island Trail in eastern Colorado Springs, with city officials saying the project will strengthen the urban trail network for residents who walk, bike, run, and use mobility devices.

The City of Colorado Springs announced construction on a more than two-mile extension of the Rock Island Trail between Sand Creek and Constitution Avenue. The city says the project will create a continuous east-west trail connection by adding a new pedestrian bridge over Sand Creek, a pedestrian-activated flashing crossing at Peterson Road, and accessibility improvements along the corridor.

A 210-foot pedestrian bridge over Sand Creek will carry the new trail across the creek as part of the extension along the historic Rock Island corridor, while the new crossing at Peterson Road will improve access across the roadway for people walking, biking, running, and using mobility devices.

"The Rock Island Trail is an important east-west corridor, and this extension will help close key gaps in the trail network while creating a safer, more accessible route for the community," said Emily Duncan, trails development coordinator for the City's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department. "The new bridge over Sand Creek and improved crossing at Peterson Road will expand opportunities for recreation and active transportation while building out the City's urban trail network."

The city expects to complete the project by winter and says neighbors should watch for impacts as work progresses.

The city has not yet indicated whether any interim trail closures or detours will be required during construction, a detail residents in the corridor will likely be watching for as work advances.