Palmer: Time to replace Castle Creek Bridge

Aspen voters were last asked about the “entrance” over 20 years ago and the answer was no to four lanes across Marolt. The response of the city was to do nothing and all the while Castle Creek Bridge has continued to age. Then in late 2022 the city woke up with its awareness campaign offering a choice of the straight shot or do nothing. The population responded by telling the city — we don’t like what you are selling, no to both options. Find something else.

To the credit of the present council it has responded and is actively considering new options in the face of naysayers still holding out for the straight shot. We are now at an inflection point: the luxury of time, waiting, procrastinating is no longer available as the failure of the Route 50 bridge clearly shows. The council appears to have no taste for taking a gamble by further delay in the face of an expert’s report documenting deterioration and recommending replacement. Now is the time to move. Rebuild the current bridge as the first order of business, but that will take time. At least start the NEPA process and apply for federal funds. Leave the record of decision and the transit corridor for further consideration. In time, new technologies and demographics may make valley wide transit a reality. Do not let that dream of “perfect” destroy the reality of what is achievable now.

Helen Palmer

Aspen