Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has voiced strong opposition to the construction of a pedestrian bridge over Lincoln Street, threatening to chain himself to the Capitol Plaza to prevent it from being built even though he originally proposed the plan.
Last year, Polis shared his idea for the bridge's construction, stating his belief that it would help strengthen pedestrian safety and could be constructed to celebrate Colorado's 150th birthday, that coincides with America's 250th birthday, in 2026.
However, constituents began to criticize Polis for his suggestion after he revealed his idea for the walkway.
"Historic Denver supports the State's desire to use art to celebrate the anniversary, but we believe this is the wrong way to go about it. Plowing a functionally useless bridge through this historic site serves no purpose but does extensive damage. Historic Denver understands that the overpass needs approval from the City and County of Denver's Landmark Preservation Commission to move forward," said John Deffenbaugh, President and CEO of Historic Denver Museum, in a letter.
"We urge the Commission and the public to oppose this wasteful proposal and, instead, consider measures to prioritize pedestrians, enhance crosswalks, and calm traffic to create a safer and more pedestrian-friendly environment at street level," he continued.
Polis then took an online poll which received 87,000 votes. He revealed the results in conversation with Denverite's Colorado Matters Host Ryan Warner.
"Ninety-three percent do not want the bridge at the Capitol," Polis told Warner. "So to me, that is a very clear message, and I'm going to commit myself to opposing this and making sure it doesn't move forward."
He then shared the lengths he would go to to subvert his own suggestion.
"I'm going to do everything I can to make sure this doesn't proceed. I said I'll chain myself to the Capitol plaza if needed, to prevent construction of the walkway. There will not be a walkway so long as I'm governor," he said.
"Governor, governor, governor, the only person you would chain yourself to oppose is your previous self," Warner indicated.
"I will stop those bulldozers if I have to do it in person," Polis responded.
"But they were your bulldozers," Warner said.
"I didn't have any bulldozers," the governor replied, adding that this wasn't necessarily just his idea.
"Obviously this is something that's been talked about since Mayor Federico Peña," Polis said. "There's been always talk about a Capitol walkway. This is probably the closest it's ever come. But no, I'm excited to make sure that I can deliver on ensuring that there is no walkway."
"It's certainly easier for us to not build a bridge, than build a bridge, in many ways," he added.
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