Cherry Creek Construction Project Wraps Up Early

DENVER (CBS4)- Crews were set to complete work on the big storm drain construction project in Cherry Creek on Saturday night before the holiday shopping season began.

The University Boulevard and Josephine Street storm drain and street paving project began in January. It will wrap up Saturday night, three weeks ahead of schedule.

The project was able to wrap up early thanks to a full closure of 1st Avenue and University Boulevard intersection in September that accelerated paving operations.

Crews were able to complete an installation of a new storm sewer system in the Cherry Creek area to mitigate recurrent flooding issues. They also reconstructed University and Josephine in concrete from Cherry Creek North Drive to 6th Avenue. The new concrete pavement is expected to last 30 years.

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There was 2,476 feet of storm sewer pipe installed, equivalent to 8.25 football fields.

The project represents a $15 million dollar public investment in this area of Cherry Creek.

"Cherry Creek North is an annual holiday tradition for local families and friends and travelers and we look forward to welcoming visitors for a festive holiday shopping and dining season," said Julie Underdahl, President & CEO, Cherry Creek North Business Improvement District. "The Cherry Creek North retail community has worked hard to make this a joyful holiday for visitors by offering amenities like free valet parking."

Come spring, landscaping enhancements will occur in the median along University Blvd., south of 1st Ave. and, next year, the city will expand upon its new storm sewer system to improve further drainage in the area.