Community input requested for Colorado Highway 82, West Aspen transportation corridor study

The city of Aspen has launched an in-depth study of the Colorado Highway 82 and West Aspen transportation corridor, focusing on the stretch from the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport and Mountain Rescue campus to downtown Aspen. 

The project is designed to evaluate transportation needs for commuters, visitors, and residents, with an emphasis on safety, traffic flow, multi-modal transportation options, and environmental impacts.

Community members along the Highway 82 corridor, from Aspen to Parachute, are encouraged to participate in shaping the study. Residents can share their input regarding safety improvements, wildlife concerns, and overall transportation needs by completing an online questionnaire and submitting comments through the Webmap platform at AspenCommunityVoice.com.

Jacobs Engineering is partnering with the city to assess transportation challenges and develop a draft justification for a new federal environmental review process.

Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), a new Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required for projects that could significantly impact the environment. This process would evaluate potential alternatives and their environmental effects. Approval from the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration is necessary to initiate a new federal review.

Public feedback is essential in shaping the study’s purpose and need statement. This statement will define the corridor’s key transportation challenges and guide future decisions, including potential improvements to the Castle Creek Bridge and the alignment of Highway 82.

Jacobs Engineering was initially engaged to evaluate the feasibility of reconstructing the Castle Creek Bridge, assessing potential modifications to the S-curves, and conducting a detailed structural inspection of the existing bridge. The expanded study will build on this foundation, incorporating community perspectives to help justify the need for a new environmental review process.

More information about the project and opportunities to provide feedback can be found at aspen.gov.