Back in Time | Aspen

“Back in Time” is contributed by the Aspen Historical Society and features excerpted articles and images from past Snowmass Sun/Aspen Times issues. We can’t rewrite history, but we can learn from it! Visit archiveaspen.org to view the vast Aspen Times photographic collection in the AHS Archives.

“Big construction crew building east approach to Independence Pass,” the Aspen Times announced on June 23, 1938. “A big construction crew is now working out of Twin Lakes on Highway No. 82, and by the end of this summer, road officials hope to have the Independence Pass route completed over the top of the Divide and far down on the Aspen side. According to information received here, a total of $100,000 will be spent on the pass by the Colorado State Highway Department in rebuilding the highway in the next few years. 

Last summer the construction crew completed several portions of the route between No. 24 and the top of the pass. The crew is now engaged in finishing several stretches that will complete the entire eastern approach from U.S. 24 to the top of the Divide. Road officials are anxious to complete as much of the rebuilding work as possible this summer, since it is their intention to keep the route open next winter while Battle Mountain is being rebuilt. The crew is equipped with the latest road-building machinery, including several huge RD-8 tractors.” 

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