Dear Editor,

Last Sept. 11, the Post Independent reported findings by the Colorado Geological Survey citing hazards facing developers of Glenwood Meadows, including debris flows, ground subsidence and compressible soils, hydrocompactive soil, and the likelihood of sinkholes. They were also described over 10 years ago in my Sept. 15, 1993, letter to the City Council.

Conclusions reached by many experts should permanently terminate all support for extending Highway 82 westerly to the West Glenwood interchange, since that alignment would cross unsuitable soils. Modifications of the route recommended in 1979 should be actively pursued by the city. These modifications were described in my July 31, 2001, letter to City Council members and drawn on a topographic map I gave to David Sturges.

CDOT will soon complete construction in Snowmass Canyon. The four-laning of U.S. Highway 50 between Grand Junction and Delta will be finished. Projects actively pursued by local officials will get more favorable attention.

Will the two miles on the Aspen end of Highway 82 be funded before the two miles on the Glenwood Springs end? It will unless city officials provide leadership not evident in the past. For instance, in a presentation to regional transportation planners, the city proposed sending Highway 82 westerly to the West Glenwood interchange, causing confusion in CDOT minds. A few years ago, the city engineer was trying to convince citizens that the new route (bypass) wasn’t needed. Now is the time for action.

Dick Prosence

Phoenix, Ariz.