Mahaffey: One bridge without the other will cause further delay

Growing up in Aspen, I have witnessed firsthand how the S-curve entrance has long been a point of debate within our community.

For decades, we have recognized its role in exacerbating traffic congestion — an issue that has only worsened over the years. The recent discussions surrounding the Castle Creek Bridge have reaffirmed that this remains a critical concern, not just for those living within city limits but for everyone in our valley. As the cost of living continues to rise, more workers must commute from farther away, making reliable transportation infrastructure even more essential.

As the Director of Transportation for the school district, I have also seen the direct impact our aging and deteriorating bridge has on our students and school community. The reality is that we already have an approved plan that addresses these concerns — a solution carefully designed to minimize disruption while finally resolving the S-curve issue. The past few years of repair work on the Castle Creek Bridge have given us a preview of the nightmare that replacing the bridge in its current location would create. During these repairs, traffic delays on Maroon Creek Road frequently lasted between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours. To put this into perspective, our school buses enter Maroon Creek Road near the Aspen Recreation Center, and extended travel times of over an hour for a one-mile stretch are simply unacceptable for our students, parents, and staff.

I urge voters to support Referendum 2 — not only because it reflects the will of the majority but because it is the solution that will have the least negative impact on our entire community, including both residents and visitors. It is time to put this decades-long debate to rest and move forward with a plan that best serves Aspen’s future.

I stand by this opinion as a local and from the experiences and knowledge gained from my position. My views are my own as an individual.

Reghan Mahaffey

Aspen