Underground Brick Sewer Discovery Halts Denver’s 16th Street Renovation, Adds Millions to Cost
A contractor working on the 16th Street renovation in Denver discovered an underground brick sewer, causing project delays and an additional $18 million cost to taxpayers, according to the Denver Auditor.
Denver, CO, August 20, 2026 —
The ongoing renovation project on 16th Street in Denver has encountered significant delays and a substantial cost increase due to the unexpected discovery of an underground brick sewer. According to the Denver Auditor, the find has added an additional $18 million to the project’s budget.
The contractor unearthed the historical sewer structure while undertaking work on the 16th Street renovation. The nature of the discovery has necessitated a halt in the original construction plans, requiring a reassessment of the project’s scope and timeline. The exact age and capacity of the brick sewer were not immediately specified.
This unforeseen complication has resulted in project delays, the duration of which has not yet been detailed. The financial impact, however, has been quantified by the Denver Auditor’s office, which reported an $18 million increase in costs for taxpayers. This figure accounts for the necessary adjustments to the construction process, potential rerouting or reinforcement of existing infrastructure, and other associated expenses incurred by the discovery.
Further details regarding the specific challenges posed by the brick sewer and the revised project plan are expected to be released as the situation develops. The Denver Auditor’s office is reportedly monitoring the financial implications closely to ensure transparency and accountability for the additional public funds allocated to the 16th Street renovation.
Story summarized from the original created by Greg Nieto on kdvr.com, see more information here.
