The Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure will close Santa Fe Drive in both directions between Evans Avenue and Florida Avenue from July 11-13 to install the main spans of a new bike-and-pedestrian bridge at West Jewell Avenue, funded by the voter-approved Elevate Denver Bond.

The closure is currently scheduled to begin at 12 a.m. July 11 and will conclude at 5 a.m. July 13.  

Drivers should plan ahead and seek alternate routes.

The closure is necessary to protect the traveling public, as large cranes will be used to set the two spans in place — each is approximately 180 feet long and weighs 215,000 pounds. 

The alternate weekend is July 18-20, if weather or other unforeseen conditions require DOTI to reschedule.

For more information, visit the project website at denvergov.org/doti

Lavender Festival returns to Denver Botanic Gardens’ Chatfield Farms

The Lavender Festival brings two days of summer blooms, food and activities to Denver Botanic Gardens’ Chatfield Farms, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road, in Littleton.

Visitors may stroll through fragrant rows of more than 2,000 live lavender plants while enjoying food, beverages, live music, art and children’s activities. 

This year’s event is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 18-19. Advance tickets are required.

For tickets and information, visit www.botanicgardens.org or call (720) 865-3500.

City offices closed July 3

Most City and County of Denver offices will be closed Friday in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Other agencies may have impacted hours. Agencies that operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, such as Denver International Airport and sworn members of the Denver Sheriff, Police and Fire departments and other emergency responders will continue to be available. 

Regular city operations and services will resume on July 6 but there will be no Denver City Council meeting.