Relocation of Highway 82 a critical problem to address in Glenwood Springs

My Side
Floyd Diemoz
Glenwood Springs, CO Colorado
March 5, 2008

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Also addressed to City Council, city of Glenwood Springs:

With the formation of our new council and its new members, I’d like to share some Highway 82 history that I’ve imparted over the years to those interested as well as to previous councils. I believe I’m correct in recalling the night Bob Zanella was first sworn in as mayor, some 14 years ago. I had asked council to place a sign on the far wall as a continual reminder of Glenwood’s most critical problem. It was to be in red glowing neon. It was to read “Grand Ave. Traffic.” At that time, I should have purchased and placed that neon in council chambers.

On Dec. 6, 1973 (34 years ago), City Council adopted the following:

It is the intention of the city to designate Midland Avenue as an arterial street pursuant to Chapter 120, Section 13, Paragraph 25, CRS 1963, for the purposes of providing an identifiable corridor or route designation for the investigation and study of a possible by-pass for State Highway 82.

Why did council exhibit this foresight so may years ago? They knew the ever-increasing build-up of Grand Avenue traffic would eventually destroy the viability of our downtown and community. They knew that even if they immediately finalized a plan for the relocation, it could take 20 or more years to complete.

This brings us to today. Today’s pace is slow but encouraging. We have purchased potential rights of way. Communities from Parachute to Glenwood are prioritizing their common needs. The city in an Oct. 9, 2003, letter commenting on RFTA’s Corridor Investment study, made an excellent point that any transit solution to the Roaring Fork Valley will be flawed unless congestion on Grand Avenue is relieved. I quote a sentence that says it all: “The implementation of a Bus Rapid Transit program must include relocation of Highway 82 as a viable plan.” They point out it is not only a matter of traffic movement, it is a matter of the quality of life, health, and safety for the residents of Glenwood Springs.

Our dilemma affects far more than business on Grand Avenue. It affects the citizens of all our valley’s communities, from Aspen to Parachute. Those people must also travel through our town to go to and from work, business, or play. It affects families from children to the elderly who must every day cross this highway. Never forget — Grand Avenue is not a street or an avenue, it is a major highway.

The uncontrollable severing of our town will very soon destroy Glenwood Springs as a viable community. Isn’t it about time council adopt a plan for the relocation of Colorado State Highway 82, despite those who have tried to stop you every step of the way? This task will not be easy. Thirty-four years of procrastination is enough.

Floyd Diemoz lives in Glenwood Springs and is a longtime member of the Glenwood Springs Transportation Commission.