Closed Rio Grande segment reopens

Aspen Times Staff Report
Aspen, CO Colorado
April 30, 2008

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CARBONDALE — Trail users have a couple of developments to cheer about in the midvalley this week.

First, the seasonal closure along the Rock Bottom Ranch stretch of the trail expires on Thursday, May 1. There is a winter closure along a 2-mile stretch because the area is heavily used by wildlife. That stretch has been off-limits since Dec. 1.

Second, the vision of the valleywide trail is supposed to move significantly closer toward reality Wednesday. Paving is supposed to be finished on the last uncompleted section of the Rio Grande Trail.

Aspen Earthmoving anticipates finishing paving of a 5-mile stretch between Carbondale and the turnoff to Colorado Mountain College’s Spring Valley Campus Wednesday afternoon, according to Mike Hermes, director of trails and facilities for the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority.

The work on that section is about one month ahead of schedule. The completion of the entire trail — which allows cyclists to ride between Aspen and Glenwood Springs — is two years ahead of RFTA’s goal.

Hermes said the section between Carbondale and the CMC turnoff won’t be ready to ride for a while, even though the asphalt is down. Signs and fences need to be installed and the shoulder set. He urged riders and pedestrians to stay off that section until May 15.

RFTA is planning a celebration of the completion of trail on June 21.