Fossil plants found at FasTracks construction site
Published for 9news.com
— September 16, 2009 — Fossils of plants dating back at least 64 million years were found at a construction site for the FasTracks program last week.
The plant fossils were found just west of 6th Avenue and Simms Street while crews were preparing the area for construction of a retaining wall.
Representatives from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science came in and found fossil leaves in the rock layers that ended up there between 64 and 66 million years ago. The museum says it was right after the extinction of dinosaurs.
Some fossilized tree stumps were also found in the same area.
The fossils were dug out last Friday and Saturday.
While in some instances, historical finds like this could delay a construction project, there will be no delay in the West Corridor construction schedule. Since none of the fossils were new species, the museum was able to gather quality specimens within a few days.
