Golden in Jefferson County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)

History of the Avenue Bridge 3

Photographed by Barbara Miranda, November 1, 2025

1. History of the Avenue Bridge 3 Marker

Inscription.
Local funding was unavailable during the Great Depression. Thus, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) built the new bridge as a gift to Golden. Superintendent ES. Johnson and his workers built the sturdiest bridge on the site up to that time. The new span, with a concrete northern pier, measured 63 feet 3 inches, with a concrete deck upon 9 steel girders. It stood 14 feet 8 inches above the river and was 48 feet wide with 5 foot 2 inch sidewalks within this width on both sides. The sidewalks were no longer separated from the main bridge. Its railings were made of cast concrete arches. The bridge was offset to the east from the street center by about two feet, for reasons unknown.

By 1969, the 1937 bridge was considered to be too narrow for the increased traffic. The City expanded it by 8 feet on each side, with the expansion built upon concrete girders. New steel railings were provided. With this addition, the Avenue Bridge was, for the first time, wider than it was long.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts.

Location. 39° 45.406′ N, 105° 13.361′ W. Marker is in Golden, Colorado, in Jefferson County. It is on Washington Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Golden CO 80401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Colorado’s Front Range.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: History of the Avenue Bridge 4 (here, next to this marker); History of the Avenue Bridge 2 (here, next to this marker); History of the Avenue Bridge (here, next to this marker); Settler Farm Wife’s Initiative (here, next to this marker); First Bicycle Mishap in Golden (here, next to this marker); A Daring Rescue (here, next to this marker); Porcelain and Malted Milk (here, next to this marker); Fun on Courthouse Hill (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Golden.

Photographed by Barbara Miranda, November 1, 2025

2. History of the Avenue Bridge 3 Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 11, 2025, by Barbara Miranda of Idaho Springs, Colorado. This page has been viewed 103 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 11, 2025, by Barbara Miranda of Idaho Springs, Colorado. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.