One project postponed, one still in the works in Snowmass
File photo
Two projects taken on by the town of Snowmass Village Public Works Department impacting traffic over the spring and summer is now down to just one, an update at the town of Snowmass Village Town Council meeting revealed.
The Highline Road gas, fiber, and multi-modal project, which was originally scheduled to begin in April, was placed on hold. This project was a partnership between Snowmass and Black Hills Energy to extend a secondary gas line to the village.
The town was also planning to install a fiber conduit and widen Highline Road, which would have closed sections from April to May.
“Based on some of the conversations and directions from (the council), we’ve held that project off, and we’re looking at that as a 2024 project,” said Anne Martens, director of public works.
The Brush Creek Culvert Project is expected to occur from June to November and requires a full road closure of Brush Creek during that time.
Last summer, the 72-inch culvert under Brush Creek Road began to fail. The Public Works Department was able to do a temporary repair, but it was just to get them through the winter, Martens said.
The culvert replacement is a multi-step project, beginning with moving a gas line that serves as the main service line to the village. This part of the project will take place from April 3-21 and will upgrade the gas line on Owl Creek Road from east of Meadow Ranch Road to the intersection of Owl Creek Road and Brush Creek Road.
“That’s the first priority project: to move the gas line before Gould (Construction) can work on the culvert part of the (project),” said Martens.
In the next part of the project, which will take place from April 24-May 20, Black Hills Energy plans to enlarge the current 1 1/4-inch gas line to a 2-inch one. This will cause periodic one lane closures on Brush Creek Road.
Once these two projects are finished, they will be able to begin replacing the culvert under Brush Creek Road. According to the memo, a 3-sided, precast box culvert was chosen as the replacement product type. The precast culvert will allow for a trail to be constructed inside the box culvert, under the road, adjacent to the creek, allowing for further connectivity.
Lance Clark, a member of the Meadow Ranch Home Owners Association, brought up concerns at Monday night’s meeting that other people who live on Meadow Ranch voiced.
“If this detour is not handled in the most creative and competent way, it’s going to be a disaster,” Clark said.
According to a weekly update from Town Manager Clint Kinney, the town is starting to hear from people living along Owl Creek Road regarding their concerns about increased traffic.
“Unfortunately, we do not have any other viable detour routes available to consider,” he wrote. “That said, we are taking steps to ensure Owl Creek Road is prepared to handle the increased traffic levels.”
The detour time is approximately five minutes, according to the public works department.
“We know it’s an inconvenience. We know this is going to be a summer full of construction, but it’s a really vital project. We need to address our aging infrastructure,” said Martens.
As more information becomes available, the town will continue to update their Infrastructure Improvement Projects website, found here: tosv.com/553/Infrastructure-Improvement-Projects.
To reach Audrey Ryan, email her at aryan@swiftcom.com.
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