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1. What are the past key dates for the Entrance to Aspen?

1961 - The current Castle Creek Bridge was built with a maximum lifespan of 75 years (2036).

1995 - The community, Aspen City Council, Pitkin County Commissioners, Town of Snowmass Village Council, CDOT, and FHWA developed the project need, intent, and 10 project objectives. 

1996 - 59% of Aspen voters said, “yes” (41% “no”), to authorize a right-of-way over Marolt and Thomas properties for a two-lane parkway and corridor for light rail with a number of stipulations. 

1997 - Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) was completed. 

1998 - Record of Decision (ROD) was finalized. 

2000 - Roundabout construction was completed.

2001 - 54% of Aspen voters said, “no” (46% voted, “yes”), to change the right-of-way over Marolt and Thomas properties for a two-lane parkway and exclusive bus lanes until the community supported light rail funding.

2007 - The reevaluation of the ROD proved the document and plan were still valid. 

2007 - Comprehensive community outreach was completed with no clear political consensus on a path forward. 

2009 - BRT lanes were implemented from the airport to the roundabout. 

2015 - Rubey Park Transit Center was completed. 

2018 - 8th Street bus stop improvements and pedestrian safety improvements were completed. 

2. What are the 10 project objectives?

1. Community-Based Planning: An inclusive process focused on limiting vehicle trips to decrease downtown congestion.

2. Transportation Capacity: Meets future traffic capacity needs, but keeps vehicle trips to the level in 1994.

3. Safety: Addresses concerns like pedestrian safety and higher-than-average accident rates through the S-Curves. 

4. Environmentally Sound Alternative: Minimizes and mitigates adverse impacts. 

5. Community Acceptability: Fits the character of the community and is aesthetically acceptable to the public.

6. Financial Limitations: Realistic current and expected funding levels and programs. 

7. Clean Air Act Requirements: Limits vehicle trips to manage air quality in accordance with local and national goals.

8. Emergency Access: Provides an alternative route over Castle Creek for emergency vehicles to access incidents inside and outside of downtown. 

9. Livable Communities: Keeps within the small town character and scale of the Aspen community, which enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors.

10. Phasing: Provides phasing so future transit options can be accomplished.

3. Who were the project planning partners?

• Roaring Fork Valley Residents
• Aspen City Council
• Pitkin County Commissioners
• Town of Snowmass Village Council
• Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)
• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

4. What was the expected useful life of the Castle Creek Bridge when it was built?

The bridge was designed for a 75-year lifespan. It was built in 1961, meaning it will reach the end of its design life in 2036. However, current factors could contribute to a shortened lifespan, including that the bridge was never designed for the current volume of traffic. As a result, an increased need for repairs and/or replacement is expected.

5. How were the 10 objectives created?

The 10 project objectives are evaluation criteria for the Entrance to Aspen. They were developed by our community in 1994. While the development process for a Record of Decision (ROD) always includes public participation, it is unusual that community-defined objectives are included in a ROD.
The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), on Page I-3 of August 1995, further states:
“The objectives were developed based on known problems and concerns related to the State Highway 82 transportation system and corresponding issues raised by the Aspen area community. Consensus on the objectives was developed from the affected agencies, elected officials and staff of area governments, concerned members of the public through a series of individual meetings (community focus groups, open house exhibitions, community leadership workshops) and a technical advisory committee (TAC) consisting of various local governments and state and federal agency staff.”

6. What was the expected useful life of the Castle Creek Bridge when it was built?

The bridge was designed for a 75-year lifespan. It was built in 1961, meaning it will reach the end of its design life in 2036. Several factors contribute to this lifespan, including that the bridge was never designed for today's volume of traffic. As a result, an increased need for repairs and/or replacement is expected.

7. Why hasn't the Preferred Alternative been implemented if it was created in 1998?

A number of elements of the Preferred Alternative have been implemented since 1998, including the Maroon Creek Bridge, roundabout, pedestrian overpasses over Maroon Creek and Castle Creek Roads, Harmony Road underpass and intersection improvements, Owl Creek Road realignment and new signals at Highway 82 at Buttermilk Mountain, the Main Street bus lane addition, new signals on Highway 82 at Buttermilk, and conveyance of right-of-way. (In 1996, Aspen voters approved an easement across Marolt-Thomas Open Space for two lanes and a light rail in exchange for Mills Ranch property as open space.)

8. Is the Record of Decision and Preferred Alternative still valid?

Yes. To ensure this, they will be re-evaluated again by a consultant team, CDOT and FHWA.