This week: Bridge Replacement, Airport Future, and City Updates

What's happening...

(ACC - Aspen City Council, BOCC - Pitkin Board of County Commissioners)

🌉 Castle Creek Bridge Replacement Needed

After a more than an hour of public comment at its August 12 work session, City Council seemed closer to making a decision on the Castle Creek Bridge. More than 50 people attended the meeting with more than two dozen speakers, most calling for an immediate replacement of the 1961 bridge.

Prior to the meeting, ACRA weighed in with a letter to the council, emphasizing the importance of reliable infrastructure for the workforce. The letter noted that 70% of ACRA’s members rely on crossing the bridge for their daily commutes and expressed frustration over delays. The business community called for swift action to alleviate traffic congestion and ensure safe evacuation routes.

During the session, Mayor Torre, Bill Guth, and Sam Rose recognized the urgency, citing the bridge’s deteriorating condition and strong public support for replacing it before considering longer-term options like the Straight Shot.

In the regular meeting on August 13, Council Members Guth and Rose motioned to expedite the bridge rebuild using Jacobs Engineering’s “three-lane shifted” design, which would maintain two lanes of traffic throughout construction without detours. However, Mayor Torre declined to cast the deciding vote, stating, “you don’t have the votes for that.” Instead, he proposed directing staff to request that CDOT study the “Modified Direct” (Split Shot)—one of the 43 options considered in the 1998 Record of Decision. In a July 10 letter, CDOT advised that reconsidering these options would require reopening the Record of Decision and conducting a full environmental impact study.

There was no motion for a public ballot question at the meeting, but Staff noticed a new work session on Saturday, August 17th to consider “Entrance to Aspen Ballot Question” at tonight's August 19th work session. No staff materials have been posted on what question will be considered.

Council Members John Doyle and Ward Hauenstein expressed support for the Preferred Alternative “Straight Shot”, which would involve constructing a 130-foot asphalt highway across Marolt Open Space, eliminating downvalley turns from the Cemetery Lane intersection, and adding a new stoplight at 7th Street.

✈️ Airport Debate Heats Up

The Pitkin County Commissioners have moved forward with a controversial ballot measure regarding future changes to the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport. While the measure seeks voter approval on runway modifications, some citizens, including Mayor Torre, argue it’s a “power grab” aimed at weakening a citizen-led initiative that demands more public control over airport decisions.

Pro-modernization groups like Airport Coalition and A Better Airport are actively engaged in the debate, pointing to the Embraer E-175 as the ideal aircraft for Aspen’s unique runway and altitude conditions. Supporters argue that the E-175 operates more efficiently and with lower emissions, providing environmental and economic benefits. Pitkin County and expansion advocates also emphasize that modernizing the airport will future-proof Aspen’s infrastructure, potentially accommodating aircraft like the Airbus A220 if needed in the future.

As the August 28th vote approaches, the community continues to weigh the potential impacts of the proposed expansion on Aspen’s environment, economy, and quality of life.

⚖️ Non-Discrimination Ordinance Modernization

Aspen City Council is updating the Non-Discrimination Ordinance (NDO), originally passed in 1977, to strengthen protections in housing, employment, and public services. The revised ordinance expands safeguards to include gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, political beliefs, and personal values, ensuring everyone can live, work, and express themselves freely without unequal treatment. These updates reaffirm Aspen’s commitment to inclusivity and respect for diverse opinions as the council continues refining the ordinance through public hearings.

🏢 Armory Hall Restoration Progress

Aspen City Council will review the latest updates on the Armory Hall Restoration Project during the upcoming work session. Council will discuss recent design progress, community feedback, and the next steps, including finalizing design elements, securing permits, and planning for phased construction.

🌳 Theatre Aspen’s Permanent Facility Proposal

Aspen City Council will be reviewing a recommendation from the Open Space and Trails Board regarding Theatre Aspen’s proposal to construct a permanent, year-round theater at Rio Grande Park and the John Denver Sanctuary. This discussion will involve the project’s design, its environmental impact, and public access. Council will also consider whether Theatre Aspen should proceed with a land use application. Public feedback has raised concerns about preserving open space while improving cultural facilities in the city.

🚲 Aspen's Safety Action Plan

Aspen is seeking community input on the future of its public spaces, including pedestrian, cyclist, and motorist safety initiatives. Link to survey is available on Aspen Community Voice.

👀 Looking Ahead

Monday, August 19

• COA Work Session (4:00 pm): Discussions include Theatre Aspen’s permanent facility proposal, updates to the Non-Discrimination Ordinance, and progress on the Armory Hall restoration project.

Tuesday, August 20

• BOCC Work Session (9:00 am): Updates on the Annual Airport Advisory Board and more discussions on airport expansion.

• COA Regular Meeting (5:00 pm)