Overwhelming opposition halts Colorado's proposed birthday pedestrian bridge

In a significant move reflecting public sentiment, the state of Colorado conducted a statewide survey to gauge interest in a proposed pedestrian bridge meant to celebrate its 150th birthday. The Colorado 150 Walkway would have spanned from the Colorado State Capitol to Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park, promising to be a notable addition to the state's celebratory plans. However, the survey results revealed that a staggering 93% of respondents opposed the construction of the $18 million bridge. These findings, which were collected over just five days from more than 80,000 participants, led Governor Jared Polis to announce the cancellation of the project, highlighting the clear message from the public. This reaction was unexpected for Polis, who had initially believed the bridge would be a popular idea. The governor acknowledged this visceral opposition and confirmed that the state would reallocate efforts towards different forms of community engagement for the 150th birthday celebration rather than focusing on a single large project. Interestingly, over half of those surveyed expressed no desire for any kind of project, while others preferred smaller undertakings scattered throughout Colorado rather than a prominent installation in Denver. This has prompted the state to seek alternative ways to celebrate both Colorado's sesquicentennial and the United States' upcoming 250th birthday, with plans for historical art projects that engage local communities rather than imposing a singular structure. Thus, the swift and emphatic feedback from Colorado residents has not only affected the planned celebrations but has underscored a deeper community desire for preservation of local values and historical stories to be shared through varied artistic expressions, showcasing the importance of public opinion in state-level decisions regarding significant expenditures.