University of Colorado Varsity Pond Bridge and Dam Improvements Boulder, Colorado

To extend the life of a campus landmark, the University of Colorado, Boulder sought to identify deficiencies with the Varsity Pond Bridge and make improvements that ensure its integrity for future generations. After leading a structural inspection and assessment, Otak proposed different levels of rehabilitation and ultimately carried out the option designed to prolong the life of the structure as long as possible.

A Pedestrian Structure Rehabilitation to Preserve a Historic Public Asset

Dating back to the late 19th century, the original Varsity Pond Bridge connected the President’s House (now the Koenig Alumni Center) with the oldest part of the Boulder campus. After being updated from a steel structure to a concrete arch with flagstone veneer that matches the campus aesthetic in 1935, the 79-foot, two-span arch bridge has since been a main throughfare for students and popular location for wedding and graduation photos. Improved drainage of the bridge deck would address a significant source of concrete degradation that over time took its toll from rain and melting snow infiltrating the structure. The rehabilitation also included concrete repair on the underside of the arches, masonry veneer stone repair, masonry repointing and the replacement of the bridge deck flagstones. A full excavation of the bridge would allow the tops of the arches to be inspected for any additional issues. An adjacent dam featuring similar masonry to the bridge forms Varsity Pond itself, which collects drainage that is reused for irrigation. That structure would undergo the same rehabilitation process, preserving this historic area for years to come.